Albion Robster
Well-known member
OK - This is a massive PLEA for advice from you experienced runners...
I have been running about 4 years maybe now. Fairly small distances. I did 6 half marathons in a year which was my biggest achievement so far and have 3 more booked up for the next 6 months. I run usually once a week due to time / childcare & often that is just a 5k park run or 10k gentle run. I am very slow compared to most - my 10k best time 58mins - first half marathon 2-23 but got that down to 2-05PB at Brighton this year. I love the buzz of half marathons - the sense of pride at crossing the line - the running with friends etc...
I entered the ballot for London marathon - kind of hoping I wouldn't get in (which I didn't). A few mates are doing Brighton marathon again and have asked me to consider it. I am. BUT I realise it's a big commitment. I'd probably want to do such an event for charity to spur me on to train properly and make sure I do it. It would be one of my lifetime achievements to complete a marathon hands down... I'm quite a big bloke (nearly 16 stone) but have lost nearly a stone since March and 9lbs in 3 weeks doing Juice-Plus diet with the Mrs and eating much, much better. The weight loss is helping with the running - massively.
Now here's the thing... I'm so so so scared at committing to a marathon! I find halves hard enough and I realise the enormity of the commitment - I'd have to follow a strict training programme and make sure I stick to it and am committed. I realise the enormity of taking on the distance but part of me is buzzing & excited. I don't want people on here to just say 'go for it' if they don't properly mean it. I value the advice of others who know best and there are many on this thread. Just want some advice from as many people as possible please...
Essentially I'm offloading my thoughts on you all so I apologise for the disjointed nature of this post...
PS - I also thought I ought to go to the doctors for an MOT before committing to this- am I being stupid thinking this?
Help appreciated an awful lot so thank you to those who have read and reply...
Much love
Sheebo
Completing a Marathon is one of life's massive achievements, its a real test of mental and physical endurance. There's nothing better than talking and discussing marathon's with other people - you're part of an exclusive club to have ran 26.1 miles...nobody can buy that experience!
Couple of points:-
- I would try and find a running club to join. A lot of clubs will have other runners training for a marathon, so you will be able to run with them. A lot more sociable and spurs you on to run each week.
- Find a realistic training programme for a Marathon and stick to it. Don't skip sessions on a cold January evening!
- Run for a charity. When you're hitting the 20 mile mark you want to have that financial motivation to keep going and not to let down your charity but those who have donated to you as well. Running for a charity will motivate you to run and train for through those hard months or sessions.
Do it Sheebo! Don't live life with regrets!