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Original poster

Tell me I am crazy but I am actually considering a marathon ...

28 replies

IrianOfW · 06/04/2017 12:22

I've just done my second half and multiple 10ks. I am 52 and not exactly skinny . Until recently I never even considered running 26 miles but I it is starting to appeal despite my best efforts to suppress the idea!

How much of an increase in time/effort will it be? Bearing in mind I work full-time and have three kids and elderly parents to keep an eye on. I know two women who are running the London Marathon this year who were running halfs last year - but they are both younger and without families.

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emummy · 06/04/2017 12:38

Ok. I have 3 kids, a dog and a husband who works away a lot, I am not working but studying with the OU. London in 2 weeks will be my first marathon. The main difference I have found between training for this and my halfs is the tiredness when you start going up to longer runs i.e. 16 and above. Also the longer runs take longer, depending on your speed of course!, so you need to have the time for those. A lot of beginner plands go up to a 3 .5 hour long run, or 18-20 miles. Plenty of plans exist to do it on 3 runs a week, I have done 4 as I was doing that already. Maybe have a look online at some plans - London has some on their website and there are loads out there and see if they can be fitted into your life. Also be prepared to become totally obsessed in later stages of training, it has taken over my life! On the plus side, I have lost 2lbs and am eating everything!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 06/04/2017 12:42

Thankyou emummy.

The most I have even run is 14.5 and at the moment I am not sure how I could manage more. I vary between 3 and 4 runs a week but apart from saturydas am they are only every about an hour.

I will need to do some googling I think.

Good luck for London! I will be watching and tracking my friends!

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MandMand · 06/04/2017 12:57

I did my 9th half at the weekend and am still really indecisive about whether to sign up for a full marathon in the autumn. I think having trained for and run several halves gives you a healthy respect for the distance and a realisation of the amount of commitment a full would require.

I know that every time I've crossed the finish line after 13.1 miles, I've been completely spent and exhausted and couldn't have run much further, but then again I've never trained my body to run any further.

My husband and kids aren't particularly supportive (none of them bothered to come out to cheer me over the finish line at the weekend, even though it was only a ten minute walk from our front door), but I manage to fit in a long run on Saturday mornings by getting up and out of the house by 7am, so I'm back by mid-morning and can carry on with the day as normal.

If you're busy with work and family commitments during the week, then an Autumn marathon is probably better than a Spring one since at least you can fit in runs early in the morning or later in the evenings and it will still be light.

Nell McAndrew's Guide to Running has some good training plans in it and some realistic advice about fitting it all in around work and family life. Good Luck!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 06/04/2017 13:09

"I know that every time I've crossed the finish line after 13.1 miles, I've been completely spent and exhausted and couldn't have run much further, but then again I've never trained my body to run any further. "

Yep, that's what I think too but finding the time/motivation is the big question mark.

Sorry your family don't support you Sad. DH has only missed one of my races and that was because he had an upset tummy and couldn't be away from the loo. My kids come along sometimes but usually it means too early a start - don't blame them. I almost wish they wouldn't TBH as it takes up their precious weekends so I don't feel I can do as many as I would like to.

I think I have that book - ordered it and then never looked at it Blush Thanks for the tip

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MaidOfStars · 06/04/2017 15:11

Yeah, the time is an issue* You'll lose Sunday mornings or afternoons. And it's really boring unless you bagsy someone to train with you.

*Well, not for me. No kids/pets/very empty social calendar Grin

CMOTDibbler · 06/04/2017 15:23

I did Manchester marathon last year, and it did take over my life in the 10 weeks before really. The worst bit was having to get the long run in at the weekend, whether I wanted to or not, and it was bloody lonely being out for hours and hours by myself.

Finishing was totally amazing though, and worth it

Original poster
IrianOfW · 06/04/2017 15:40

Ah but I LOVE being on my own so that will be a bonus.

Doing any more dibbler?

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MaidOfStars · 06/04/2017 15:42

I did Manchester marathon last year
I did it last Sunday! Was ace.

MaidOfStars · 06/04/2017 15:43

Ah but I LOVE being on my own so that will be a bonus
Me too. I can walk entire days over hills and be completely happy in my own head.

Less so with the rhythmic pavement pounding that became a Chinese water torture.

Original poster
IrianOfW · 06/04/2017 16:08

Congrats maid! How was it?

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NotStoppedAllDay · 06/04/2017 16:11

i did London 2 years ago

mum of 5,work full time etc....it was the training that was tough, the longer runs. but i'd say go for it!!

runmummyrun Facebook group is excellent for support!

StrawberryMouse · 06/04/2017 16:13

Congratulations! Go for it, you definitely won't regret it!

I ran my first marathon within six months of taking up running and after only two long runs (I think a 20 and a 16) so was a big gamble for me too.

I didn't use a training plan but averaged about 20 miles a week in training and managed a sub 4 hour I was over the moon with.

If you can run a half then you'll get there, it's more mental than anything else imo and the excitement of running your first marathon will pull you through.

CMOTDibbler · 06/04/2017 16:15

Did my first run yesterday after 6 months off due to trapped nerves giving me pain and numbness when I ran Sad so no marathons this year, just long outdoor swims!

I like being on my own too, and 2 hours of me and my tunes is great. 4 or 5 cold, wet ones on the only route that I can do for long runs, carrying my water and jelly babies? Not so much. I cried one day because the jelly beans I had were yuck. It perhaps is better if you live in a city where you can find a route where there are things to look at!

emummy · 06/04/2017 17:02

Second the recommendation for Runmummyrun on Facebook - although it's really their fault I'm doing London this year so be careful!

MaidOfStars · 06/04/2017 19:01

It was great, already looking for the next one (which some on this thread may be surprised by my enthusiasm for Grin)

NotStoppedAllDay · 06/04/2017 20:32

See you at Mile 19 emummy

Keep the RMR cheer spot in mind and it will keep you going.....

Good luck!

emummy · 06/04/2017 20:36

Definitely Not! Will be all on my lonesome in the big smoke so will be looking forward to those hugs! The tattoos, vest and hat are ready to go!

chloechloe · 09/04/2017 13:10

Go for it! I ran two marathons (albeit pre children) on 3-4 runs a week. The mid week runs can be short - i.e. a 30-45min easy recovery run and the same length interval run.

The issue is the long run at the weekend where you'll be plodding for 3-4 hours at the end depending on your speed, but if you get up and out early on a Sunday you will still have the best part of your day with your family. You also need to factor in the overall tiredness and recovery involved though - after my long runs I was pretty whacked and used to collapse on the sofa with a coffee and huge bowl of porridge!

I would look for one you can train for in spring or summer. London marathon training through the winter is pretty glum when you're often out in the cold rain in the dark!

welshweasel · 09/04/2017 13:13

Totally doable. I remember getting my place for the London marathon the week before I ran my first half and at the finish line wondered how the hell I'd do that all again. That was the October before London in April. I did a 3 run/week plan that started at Xmas. A 5 mile and a 6 mile run in the week and a long run at the weekend. Longest run was 21 miles with a couple of 18 milers. Ran sub 4 (just).

Emski76 · 10/04/2017 07:52

I've just trained for Brighton Marathon, unfortunately I got injured so have deferred until next year. The training was tough and after my 20 miler a few weeks ago I said never again but after watching the marathon yesterday I am tempted to go for it!! I work part time, have two children and am studying with the OU. Training was tough and I've ended up at the doctors with exhaustion but yep I'd do it again!!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 11/04/2017 13:34

Thanks for the responses.

I have decided the put my name in the ballot for London - then my decision will be made for me either way. Grin I know I can do it physically if I do more training - it's just my head that is dithering.

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Original poster
IrianOfW · 11/04/2017 13:35

Sorry to heae that emski

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Tailwinds · 12/04/2017 19:09

I'm far from skinny, have a baby and pre-schooler, a job with a 3 hour round trip commute and feel knackered after a 5km run.

I did my first marathon at the weekend and loved it. Not just afterwards, I loved the during too!

The longest I ran in training was 18 miles; I only did three runs over half marathon distance due to lack of time. I'd probably try and do more next time but it got me round and I didn't really hit a wall either.

Enter one! Although I've done the London ballot for years and years without getting in so if you want to do one, choose a different one!

Original poster
IrianOfW · 13/04/2017 19:44

Brilliant ! Well done tailwinds Grin

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RupertsFriend · 17/04/2017 20:13

I took the approach of name in the London ballot and it came out first time! So I am running London on Sunday.
I am a 3 time a week runner.
Be prepared for the fatigue of a long run to wipe you out for the day. I was not used to being so physically tired as my kids are now older.

At marathon distance you'd be well advised to do core /strength training to help your form when running the longer distances.
I am feeling fairly relaxed about it. The best advice I had was pick a plan and trust in it, and even if your runs do not go exactly to plan, you'll get through, 1000's have already been there and done it.

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