Any new runners gone from 0-Marathon

[mumstheword1x]

Hey, I suffer greatly with health anxiety since my boy was born prematurely, one of the nurses on his ward that has kept in contact mentioned it would be good for my mental health to get into something like running, and she wondered if I wanted to run for the ward in the next marathon. Eeek! And if so she’d put me on the list ( no guarantee it would be 2027, could be 2028 )

regardless, for the sakes of this conversation, has anyone done 0 running and managed to achieve a marathon in a year? I’m not thinking of the time- just crossing the finish line ( although I’d be proud if it was between 4.5-6hours)

I know running regardless will be good for my mental health, so thinking of kick starting with couch to 5k, then 5k to 10k etc etc.

is it possible? Has anyone done it? Or AIBU and that it’s impossible to do it in a year semi-comfortably

and anyone whose run the marathon today, proud of you.. what an achievement and what an inspiration you are. X

P.s I’ve got a gait exam and running shoe fitting tomorrow to make sure I’m comfortable from the get go. I’m excited, I feel like it’ll be a positive thing regardless, but I’d like some advice

Yes, I did. It was tough but totally possible, especially with a strong ‘why’. Start the base build up soon so that your body gets used to the load, couch to 5k is a great idea. Good luck!

Ah you’re incredible! Thank you 🫶🏼 did you run much before you started? How long did the marathon take you?

and congratulations in being in the 0.1% of the world club to run a marathon xxxxx

That’s very kind, thank you 😊 I am sure you will get there too if you choose to go for it.

Most marathon training plans are 16 weeks, but they would usually assume you can run 5-10km before starting them (which is why your plan to kick off with couch to 5k then progress to 10k sounds good).

It was a while ago now but I think I started running 5km a few times a week 6 months out from starting the 16 week marathon plan. If I could go back and change it I’d probably try to get to more like 10km before starting the plan, because it did feel a bit daunting once on the plan with every single run being longer than the last! I think I finished around 5 hours (though it wasn’t London).

I now run regularly and it does wonders for my mental health. If you decide the marathon isn’t for you, even just getting your trainers on for regular shorter runs could still be a brilliant change for you.

Yes! It’s absolutely possible 😊 I hadn’t run since school (and I wasn’t mad on it then!) but applied for the ballot in a moment of madness and cracked on with training when my place was confirmed so June/July time.

When you first get started I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to run slowly. Like, embarrassingly slowly. A lot of people do C25k and get put off by trying to run flat out for the “run” segments or running too far, too quickly and giving themselves shin splits (and having a horrible time!).

Get yourself started at an easy pace and figure out what works for you in terms of kit, footwear, fuelling, best time of day.

I got up to a half marathon in around October then followed a 16-week plan (after Christmas & NY - don’t forget to enjoy that!). I think mine was from Let’s Do This. It’s a cliche but trust the plan - you won’t do yourself any favours going overboard and will only create more stress/worry and risk of injury!

Some strength training (a lot of plans will include this anyway) is worth including and is just as valuable to protect yourself as it is for making the running easier. I had no experience so used a PT every fortnight to keep me on track and watch my form etc.

There were tears at 4am more times than I care to admit but I completed London in 3:50, have done another marathon since and have kept up a morning run most days. It’s still a struggle on many days but I feel so much better for getting out first thing.

If I can do it, anyone can and London is the most incredible experience. Think I will be entering the ballot forevermore!

I did many years ago. On Jan 1st I could run for 40 mins. I ran the London Marathon at the end of April in 5 hours without stopping. I just followed a training plan. But this was 25 years ago when I was 30. I couldn't do that now as currently I seem to repeatedly injure myself every time I try to go faster or longer.

It is doable but you can raise money by running in half-marathons or 10Ks if that seems more achievable.

When you start running, aim for a pace that's almost running at walking pace.

I was one of those sedentary people who would drive distances I could walk but one day decided to go jogging.
I'd been secretly buying Runner's World magazine every now and then before that and wanted to try but never got round to it. (it was back in the days of no broadband)
I set off in cotton shorts and t-shirt so I could pretend I was just out walking but wore proper running shoes and a high impact sports bra.

Day 1, I managed to run from one telegraph pole to the next one. Went home and had a lie down.
4 weeks later, I managed 4 miles. No lie own needed, just a shower.
A year later I ran my first half-marathon.

The half-marathon was a local one with a scenic undulating course. I joined an informal running club and trained on the course. I did a dry run about 3 weeks before the race.
I think it helped me to train with others and to be familiar with the course.

Keep a written log. It's amazing what progress you make and how quickly.
I used to write distance, time, what I felt like, what I'd seen, how many idiots had called out '118' etc.

I used to warm up listening to a certain pop song. I still want to start running when I hear it. (It's not the one in the link )

I have also applied for a space. Sitting here laughing at myself because I can’t run a bath never mind a marathon. I’m 39. Mum of two. Unfit/ haven’t ran in years. Pelvic floor is non existent…. Not sure how I’ll feel if I get a space but I am going to push myself.

I never went as far as a marathon but after starting off with C25K, once I was comfortable with 5K and in 'the running zone' I really felt like I could run forever. I have little dumpy legs though so only ever managed 5K in around 30 minutes (people with long legs cover more ground with every step).

If you are training over winter though you'll need access to a treadmill as even if you feel safe enough to run in the dark, you can't run if it's icy as it's obviously too dangerous from a falling and hitting your head perspective.

At the age of 45, I did C25K. Couldn’t run even for a minute. In less than a year, I did the London Marathon. Took 6 hours, but I did it!

Yep I did!

Started with couch to 5k and watched sister in law at London and literally got myself a charity place for the following year!

I got the bug and done 9 now and desperately trying to claw my running back after having a baby and just life stuff has got in the way and one day will get to 10!!

You have so much time to build up before a marathon plan would start (presuming it’s a London place on offer) you can definitely do this!

@Letsbekindplease , You almost certainly won't. The reason it raises so much money for charity is because that's how most competitors get a place.

so only ever managed 5K in around 30 minutes That's a perfectly decent time.

I remember doing a fun run with a very tall friend who made fun of my slow small steps. Guess who was wiped out after 3 miles.

What a lovely, inspirational thread! I have zero interest in running a marathon or doing any sort of running event but I have been thinking of increasing my cardiovascular fitness lately. I walk a lot (have a high energy dog!) and try and push myself to power walk most days and try a jog small amounts whilst out on a run but I have never been a natural runner.

I believe you can do anything you put your mind to OP. Fair play to you for considering this and to everyone else who has achieved their fitness goals, great or small!

OP perhaps you could use this thread as a bit of a diary?? Update on your progress maybe?