Half marathon to marathon

[Runningintothesunset]

Hi everyone, I wonder if I could have some collective thoughts on making the leap from half marathon to marathon? I took up running in September for the first time in my life and have discovered I love it. I couldn’t run 500m when I started but just did a half marathon over the weekend in 2:15, which I was super proud of and loved.

So 2 days on and I’m pondering a marathon What are your experiences of making the leap and how long do you think I would need to go from where I am now? Is it better to just run for fun for a while or should I maximise on the fact that I can currently run 13 miles and keep the mileage up?

[RunningAddict]

Congrats on your time that’s amazing! I had a half marathon time of 2:11 when I signed up for a marathon, completed it in 4:16 (can you tell I’m still very proud )

As long as you have the time to fully commit to the training you could follow one of the plans available online that are around 16 week, but it really does take dedication, I lost my weekends training hard and stuck to a strict diet so I was fuelled properly

Running for fun for a little longer until you’re comfortable at a 13 mile distance is probably a good idea, but equally if you sign up now while you have that motivation it’s also easier!

Good luck

[Runningintothesunset]

It’s a good point about the time needed to commit to training. Hmm, maybe I’ll register an interest in the Manchester 2019 one and then I can decide when entries open in September.

Well done on your marathon time - you should be super proud of that!

[Jdabbers]

Hi there

Bupa do a beginners training plan for half and full marathon with nutrition and hydration advice

I started running last September and I'm doing my first half this Sunday!
X

[Runningintothesunset]

Good luck for the weekend! I absolutely loved mine - run without headphones if you can and soak up all the atmosphere

[HoundOfTheBasketballs]

Hey. I took the leap from half to full marathon this spring.
The actual increase in distance over a period of time is no different from the step up from 10k to half. You just add an extra mile onto your long run every week until you get to 20/22 miles.
The difference is the level of commitment required all round, as a PP said, I lost almost every weekend between Christmas and Easter to marathon training. Long runs take up to 4 hours, maybe more and all you want to do afterwards is eat and take a nap.
I also built in more technical runs in the week and strength training in the gym because I didn't want to get injured. My diet changed and I gave up drinking. It became quite all-consuming.
However, nothing comes close to the sense of achievement once you've done it. Nothing at all. And I said afterwards "never again." Now it's more like "maybe."

[daffodillament]

Well done you. No advice I'm afraid ..I just do the Park Run's. Watching thread with interest though. Good luck.

[Runningintothesunset]

Hound - I felt like I’d conquered the world after my half, so I can only imagine the feeling after a full! It was so inspiring watching all the marathon runners finish.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

I’ve no doubt you can do it but the prime consideration is training time. It’s a big commitment. Check out some training plans online to see what hours are required.

[AuntieStella]

I'm thinking about it, but worried about the training commitment.

I've signed up for two more Halfs, after swearing 'never again'

[Jdabbers]

@AuntieStella
It's an addiction isn't it?? I did one 2 weeks ago which was a trail. I loved it despite the course being marked out wrong and running over a mile further!

I've now signed up for another a) because I have worked hard to get to that level of fitness and I don't want to waste it and b) I still haven't done a half!! Lol

X

[BlueBellChristmas]

I can run a half in 1:55 but my marathon time was 5:14. But it was the Snowdonia marathon which has a shocking elevation in the 1st 5 miles then another shocker at 22miles.

Google it if you dare!

But go for it! People take more time and have a jolly good time doing marathons. You chat and enjoy your time.

[Runningintothesunset]

Bluebell - the snowdownia in the name would have put me off I don’t do hills!!

[BlueBellChristmas]

Well it can’t be that bad as im doing it again😂😨