For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

What do you recommend?

I'm really itching to do one, within the next 2 years, & trying to decide which? smaller or go larger?

I am so put off because of the long runs & time. Training for 1/2s have been manageable, but a little stressing.

Those who have done them, just how harder will it be for a full?

Message edited 4/22/2014 12:57:12 PM.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

I'm also looking to run my first full this year, so am interested in the responses. I have my eyes set on NYC this November.

However, I just ran my 7th half two weeks ago, and fitting in training was SUPER tough. Would love tips and tricks from FTWMs.

For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

The training is tough. I won't lie to you. You really have to be consistent with the training. What was really tough is not only the long run over the weekend (which goes up to 20 miles), but the "semi" long run during the week. I had the most trouble with this. I call it "semi" because really I don't know what else to call it, but it's longer than the other short runs, it goes up to 10 miles. It was hard to fit it in sometimes since I am a FTWM. And I trained during the fall so with the loss of daylight I had to be creative.

Despite the training being tough, it really is not impossible. And if you really want to do this, you will make time to fit it in your schedule. But you have to really want it. It's so easy to just give up especially when the training gets tough at it's peak. But trust me it's not impossible. I'm a FTWM and the kicker is my dh trained for the same marathon (we ran it together) and we somehow made it work!! It's totally doable; we just had to get creative with our schedule sometimes. I will say that a full is not half as hard as a half marathon. It's like 4 times as hard. Between the long training runs and the race itself, it's not easy. But I feel anyone can train and complete a marathon if they put in the time and as long as they are consistent. I'll tell you one thing; you'll never ever regret it. It was the best feeling crossing the finish line. I've never cried during any of my races, but I balled finishing my first marathon. Just crossing the finish line and realizing what you just did is the most amazing feeling ever!!!! I actually can't wait to do another!!!

As far as what marathon- I like ones that are larger and have a lot of spectators. It makes the race easier to have all those people around cheering.

Good luck. There is nothing like completing your first full. It was one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of my life.

Message edited 4/22/2014 6:56:26 PM.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

I personally prefer larger marathons for the extra perks and course support. The Marine Corps in DC is a great one, and not too hilly of a course.

Training is definitely hard. Make sure you will have time to do the long runs on the weekend b/c those are the most important. Unlike the pp, I never did long-ish runs during the week. The most I ever did on a weekday was 6 miles.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Ugg....DUH! I wasn't thinking about the semis too!

Right now I'm only working PT, but with my working & DH schedule & the kids, I might as well be FT, and my DH works often nights/weekends.

I can definitly see how larger is better. I was afraid it's overwhelming, but I'm guessing it's in a good way. I've only done 2 1/2s & the second one I did was much larger than my first (but not compared to NY)

Maybe for now I'll stick to my 1/2s, which require juggling & planning, but are doable.

For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

I did my first and what will be my ONLY marathon in 2011. Since I knew it would likely be my only one, I went big - Big Sur! It was an amazing experience. I ran with a group of 6 friends, including my DH. I was completely overwhelmed with the concept oftraining for and running a marathon, but I knew I had an amazing support group around me and that definitely helped. We met for long runs, met for track workouts and met for beer afterwards :) We flew to CA together, rented an amazing house and overall, had an absolutely incredible weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect for the race, 50s/60s (probably 40s waiting for the start - us AZ folk were SUPER cold), the course was the most beautiful course I've ever seen and my amazing DH, after having PRd with a 3:20 on an extremely difficult course, came back to find me and ran my last mile with me. All in all, one of the hardest and best weekends of my life. I honestly think running this race was harder than giving birth (and it actually took me longer, only having labored for 3 hrs)

I can't imagine trying to do this now. I can't even seem to find time to fit in training for a 1/2 (although I'm going to try this summer). With that being said, I never ran more than 4-5 miles at a time during the week and my longest run before the race was only 18 miles. It's possible to complete a full without total crazy training. My body just can't handle that much mileage, the best I can do without injuring myself is 25-30 miles a week. If you decide to do it, go big, have a blast and good luck!

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

That sounds like a wonderful time!
What part of Az you from? I'm a Sun Devil!

I have 3 1/2 marathons this year (May, Oct, & Dec) & possibly a 20k (if they run it again this year). So maybe I'll make a decision after all that.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Posted by NewlyMrs

That sounds like a wonderful time!
What part of Az you from? I'm a Sun Devil!

I have 3 1/2 marathons this year (May, Oct, & Dec) & possibly a 20k (if they run it again this year). So maybe I'll make a decision after all that.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Posted by RSquared0907

Uh oh, I don't know if we can be friends, we are Wildcats!

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Posted by NewlyMrs

Posted by RSquared0907

Uh oh, I don't know if we can be friends, we are Wildcats!

I'm also from LI. I have family there, so finished my undergrad out there. But moved back to LI as soon as I finished.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

At the time, I hated it too. But now that I have a family, I could have seen myself living there.

Re: For a 1st time marathon...2 questions?

Now I have the itch to do a marathon ....good luck if you decide to go for it!