Marathon in March 2010...

Changeling · 08-11-2009, 12:31 AM

Just wanted to tell you what I've gone and done now... :blush:

My very dear brother-in-law who has been very supportive of my weight loss and new way of eating and who is one of my best friends, has challenged, well OK, DARED me to run the full Two Oceans Marathon of 56 kilometers next March. And if I don't he's going to shave my head. I cannot resist a good dare

Currently I can run only about 10 kilometers ... so I've really got my work cut out for me. Luckily I'm a highly motivated and stubborn individual and slightly addicted to exercise, which will help I'm sure!

But still, this is a HUGE challenge for me.

Any advice from other runners out there please? Is this do-able? Is there a plan I can follow or a website you can recommend? I need to do this right because my preparation time is very limited.

I must admit that, as daunting as this is, I'm SUPER EXCITED about my new goal!!!

sugarless4life · 08-11-2009, 03:51 AM

Congratulations on setting a huge goal! With your attitude and alot of determination and discipline to train, I have NO DOUBT you can and will do it!

That said, please begin by reading "Marathoning for Mortals" by John Bingham. Its a superb book that will get you on track (pardon the pun) to complete that marathon!

I'm also doing my 3rd marathon here in Tampa at the end of February, 2010. I've done it before in 2006 when I turned 50 and then I did the Disneyworld marathon in January 2007 at age 51. Trust me when I say, there is NO GREATER PRIDE than crossing the finish line of a 26.2 mile run. (Coincidentally, there's no greater PAIN either!)

But pain is temporary; pride lasts forever!

No need to carb load to do it, either! I've run both marathons on maintenance level of carbs with no problem. Invest in some sort of sugar-free electrolyte replacement as you train, if you run outdoors in the heat like I do. Powerade Zero works great !

Its been my experience (yours may differ) that if you can run at least 22 miles non-stop you can run 26.2. I wouldn't attempt a marathon without having that kind of mileage base well established. You simply cannot put your body through a rigorous challenge like that without having built a considerable mileage base. You must prepare your body well for the punishment of pounding pavement for 5-6 hours.

Good luck; YOU CAN DO IT!

Betty

Nelle Belle · 08-11-2009, 04:12 AM

What Betty said!

Also, every time you get into your car DON"T watch the odometer to see how far 26 miles really is

TennisBum · 08-11-2009, 05:15 AM

Just wanted to chime in and say good luck Changeling! If you are running 10k right now you have plenty of time to train for a full marathon in March. A couple of people at work are running a Half in March so I might do it, that would be my second. As of yet I haven't really thought about a full, perhaps later next year if all goes well.

Changeling · 08-11-2009, 05:34 AM

Betty - thanks for the solid advice! I've got a feeling I'll be calling on it many more times between now and next March...

DwightSchrute - too late haha!!!

TennisBum - thanks for saying that I have enough time, I really needed to hear that.

I'll keep you posted on my progress and I'm sure I'll have a gazillion more questions as I go along. Thanks for the wonderful support xxxx

ab1ht · 08-11-2009, 05:49 AM

Good for you!

Yes, you have more than enough time. In fact, you may want to hold off on starting an official training plan. Anything more than 4 months of training and you start to get burned out with following a schedule. Just run for fun right now while you do a little prep reading.

When I ran with TNT there were people who went from 0 to marathon in 4 months having never run a race before.

Since you're already a runner, you already know the basics about shoes, clothing, etc.

Once piece of advice I'd give to new marathoners is to do a little strength training, especially core work (including the back). And don't be afraid to take walk breaks; these do wonders.

Please keep us posted. Do you have a blog?

Sharon · 08-11-2009, 07:12 AM

Very do-able. Lots of training programs on the internet where a person can go from no running to a marathon in 6 months. So, you're ahead of the game with your running 10K.

flatferenghi · 08-11-2009, 07:17 AM

for being able to do such a great amount of physical activity. i know that u will complete the marathon. as for me, i will shave my head in your honor. i find physical activity quite difficult in my current condition. however, i am doing all I can do. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

Monkee · 08-11-2009, 07:20 AM

That is so awesome!
My ultimate goal is to run a marathon.
I am so excited for you and will be cheering for you!
Yay! Congrats!

Changeling · 08-12-2009, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ab1ht

Good for you!

Yes, you have more than enough time. In fact, you may want to hold off on starting an official training plan. Anything more than 4 months of training and you start to get burned out with following a schedule. Just run for fun right now while you do a little prep reading.

When I ran with TNT there were people who went from 0 to marathon in 4 months having never run a race before.

Since you're already a runner, you already know the basics about shoes, clothing, etc.

Once piece of advice I'd give to new marathoners is to do a little strength training, especially core work (including the back). And don't be afraid to take walk breaks; these do wonders.

Please keep us posted. Do you have a blog?

Thanks for making this feel possible Paul, it's a great relief. I know that I'm prepared to do the work as I know my work ethic, but I was worried that my goal was perhaps unrealistic and after these encouraging responses I know that I can do this!

I've dowloaded a 24-week "beginner to marathon" training program from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa" (where I live) and even though I can currently run 10km I'm going to start this from scratch (walking) anyway to make sure that my muscles and ligaments and all other supporting structures develop correctly.

I've just bought my first "real" pair of running shoes and luckily they weren't too expensive as I don't pronate.

I don't have a blog, no.

About the strength training advice - luckily I've been doing serious strength training and lifting very heavy daily for the past 2 years so that won't be a problem. The only thing I'll have to get used to is losing a bit of muscle mass due to all the running. But if I keep my protein intake and weight training up I should be OK. I don't want to end up with that "stringy" look that some runners get. I prefer to look strong. Know what I mean?

Changeling · 08-12-2009, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatferenghi

as for me, i will shave my head in your honor.

Ooooooh, now you've done it...

Sarah W · 08-12-2009, 02:45 AM

Another training website is coolrunnings.com. They're a great source of info.

08-11-2009, 12:31 AM	#1
Changeling Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 741 Gallery: Changeling Stats: I need to lose 20 kg to conceive WOE: Low carb & lifting weights Start Date: 25 June 2012	Marathon in March 2010... Just wanted to tell you what I've gone and done now... :blush: My very dear brother-in-law who has been very supportive of my weight loss and new way of eating and who is one of my best friends, has challenged, well OK, DARED me to run the full Two Oceans Marathon of 56 kilometers next March. And if I don't he's going to shave my head. I cannot resist a good dare Currently I can run only about 10 kilometers ... so I've really got my work cut out for me. Luckily I'm a highly motivated and stubborn individual and slightly addicted to exercise, which will help I'm sure! But still, this is a HUGE challenge for me. Any advice from other runners out there please? Is this do-able? Is there a plan I can follow or a website you can recommend? I need to do this right because my preparation time is very limited. I must admit that, as daunting as this is, I'm SUPER EXCITED about my new goal!!! __________________ Just stay on plan. You've done it before, and you can do it again. You KNOW this works like nothing else!

08-11-2009, 03:51 AM	#2
sugarless4life Atkins Ambassador Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 14,200 Gallery: sugarless4life Stats: 5'3 / 100 pounds / 56 yo /maintaining for 9 years WOE: Lost it with Atkins / RUNNING to keep it off! Start Date: January 19, 2002 -10 1/2 YEARS ON ATKINS	Congratulations on setting a huge goal! With your attitude and alot of determination and discipline to train, I have NO DOUBT you can and will do it! That said, please begin by reading "Marathoning for Mortals" by John Bingham. Its a superb book that will get you on track (pardon the pun) to complete that marathon! I'm also doing my 3rd marathon here in Tampa at the end of February, 2010. I've done it before in 2006 when I turned 50 and then I did the Disneyworld marathon in January 2007 at age 51. Trust me when I say, there is NO GREATER PRIDE than crossing the finish line of a 26.2 mile run. (Coincidentally, there's no greater PAIN either!) But pain is temporary; pride lasts forever! No need to carb load to do it, either! I've run both marathons on maintenance level of carbs with no problem. Invest in some sort of sugar-free electrolyte replacement as you train, if you run outdoors in the heat like I do. Powerade Zero works great ! Its been my experience (yours may differ) that if you can run at least 22 miles non-stop you can run 26.2. I wouldn't attempt a marathon without having that kind of mileage base well established. You simply cannot put your body through a rigorous challenge like that without having built a considerable mileage base. You must prepare your body well for the punishment of pounding pavement for 5-6 hours. Good luck; YOU CAN DO IT! Betty __________________ *Fat cells never forget.* Last edited by sugarless4life; 08-11-2009 at 04:04 AM..

08-11-2009, 04:12 AM	#3
Nelle Belle Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern NJ in the path of Sandy... And now Nemo Posts: 4,176 Gallery: Nelle Belle	What Betty said! Also, every time you get into your car DON"T watch the odometer to see how far 26 miles really is Last edited by Nelle Belle; 08-11-2009 at 04:14 AM..

08-11-2009, 05:49 AM	#6
ab1ht Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Westborough, MA (USA) Posts: 3,272 Gallery: ab1ht Stats: 160+/143/sub-140 (stretch goal) WOE: Eating what Mother Nature provides Start Date: December 2007	Good for you! Yes, you have more than enough time. In fact, you may want to hold off on starting an official training plan. Anything more than 4 months of training and you start to get burned out with following a schedule. Just run for fun right now while you do a little prep reading. When I ran with TNT there were people who went from 0 to marathon in 4 months having never run a race before. Since you're already a runner, you already know the basics about shoes, clothing, etc. Once piece of advice I'd give to new marathoners is to do a little strength training, especially core work (including the back). And don't be afraid to take walk breaks; these do wonders. Please keep us posted. Do you have a blog? __________________ Paul

08-11-2009, 07:17 AM	#8
flatferenghi Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 13,808 Gallery: flatferenghi	i want to congratulate u for being able to do such a great amount of physical activity. i know that u will complete the marathon. as for me, i will shave my head in your honor. i find physical activity quite difficult in my current condition. however, i am doing all I can do. Love & Profits: FLATFERENGHI

08-11-2009, 05:15 AM	#4
TennisBum Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 980 Gallery: TennisBum Stats: 229/195/175 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Restart 2/21/10	Just wanted to chime in and say good luck Changeling! If you are running 10k right now you have plenty of time to train for a full marathon in March. A couple of people at work are running a Half in March so I might do it, that would be my second. As of yet I haven't really thought about a full, perhaps later next year if all goes well.

08-11-2009, 05:34 AM	#5
Changeling Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 741 Gallery: Changeling Stats: I need to lose 20 kg to conceive WOE: Low carb & lifting weights Start Date: 25 June 2012	Betty - thanks for the solid advice! I've got a feeling I'll be calling on it many more times between now and next March... DwightSchrute - too late haha!!! TennisBum - thanks for saying that I have enough time, I really needed to hear that. I'll keep you posted on my progress and I'm sure I'll have a gazillion more questions as I go along. Thanks for the wonderful support xxxx

08-11-2009, 07:12 AM	#7
Sharon Come join us on the Game Board Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: retired now - I ski 40+ days annually and do marathons. 1st TIME GRANDMOTHER 6/18/07 Posts: 109,092 Gallery: Sharon Stats: GO UCLA - BEAT USC ALWAYS STAY POSITIVE WOE: No. Calif & Mammoth Lakes (Ski area), Ca	Very do-able. Lots of training programs on the internet where a person can go from no running to a marathon in 6 months. So, you're ahead of the game with your running 10K.

08-11-2009, 07:20 AM	#9
Monkee Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Monkeeville USA Posts: 6,267 Gallery: Monkee Stats: Total Loss: -142 lbs WOE: The Monkee Way :) Start Date: Summer 08	That is so awesome! My ultimate goal is to run a marathon. I am so excited for you and will be cheering for you! Yay! Congrats!

08-12-2009, 02:45 AM	#12
Sarah W Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: WA State Posts: 44 Gallery: Sarah W Stats: 131/120 WOE: Low Carb	Another training website is coolrunnings.com. They're a great source of info.

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