quote:<HR>Originally posted by xCarsonx:
I know I am relatively new to running and this forum, but why would you try to convince someone to not run a marathon based on the fact that it might cause heart damage then turn around and state that you don't even believe it?


I heard there is even evidence that you should not attempt to post on this forum unless you have 6 years of base training behind you.

http://This message has been edited by xCarsonx (edited May-17-2007).<HR>

Wow.

First of all, I mentioned the study to re-enforce my position that a solid base is important before training for a marathon. Secondly, I never said that I don't believe the article I merely stated that I plan on running more MPW when training for my next marathon.

Now, do you have something constructive to contribute to this thread or are you content to just pick away at what others have provided?

Tom

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urano -- I agree that's probably your best bet. A half is a nice distance, and requires a decent amount of training. For me, the marathon condundrum lies less on if I can physically accomplish it, but more on if I have the time and committment for a training program. Training for my first half introduced me to the level of work I'd need to put in every week for weeks on end, and I was able to remind myself a marathon would require me to almost double what I was doing. (I was averaging 28-35 mpw.)

So I won't even full with the physical side of things, because I think the mental aspect is just as important.

As far as speedwork/fartleks/tempos ... A lot of HM plans will include them, but they're not necessary. If you want to work in a session with some sort of speed emphasis one night a week or once every two weeks, it would help improve your time. But, it's not necessary at all. If you're not worried about it that much, or you just don't feel like doing it, don't bother.

Good luck!

If you train smartly and listen to your body, you can easilly complete a fall marathon. It might hurt a little, it might hurt a lot, it might not hurt at all. ...but it's totally doable. I'm of the camp that thinks marathon difficulty is vastly over-estimated and over-reported when it comes to simply completing a marathon without walking.

There's lots of people who have done marathons within their first year, I did 4 myself. The following years have been different as far as injuries inclluding the 5 month besetting shin splints.

Why hurry, I recommend minimum 1 yrs of mid distance. When marathon training build up very slowly over a longer schedule with PLATEAUING.

If I were you I would spend the rest of this year just increasing mileage. Keep at it consistantly. Next fall get a feel for the race scene and jump into a few more 5-10k's. Stop increasing mileage for a few months and add a day of tempo and perhaps a day of interval's or hills. Mess around and see what workouts "work" for you. Aim to set new PR's in distances from 5-10k. This way you get a feel for what kind of a runner you are. You can work on your weakneses and honor your strengths. Next winter go back to increasing mileage but this time perhaps you can keep a few workouts in your routine....you know the ones that just seem to "make you". This is the kind of preperation that I did for 3 years and now I'm finally training for my first marathon. I learned many things about myself as a runner that now allow me to train saftely and comfortably for the marathon. 2.5 years ago marathon training probebly would have killed me and I don't think I would have enjoyed the race much. Today I have enough knowledge to put together my own training to suit my own needs.

I guess my advice is to be patient. Race shorter distances. Constantly keep this idea in your head "build up, build up". Everything you do today weather it be racing, workouts, or even jogging will play a key roll in the grand scheme of things. Mileage gives you endurance, 5-10k's give you power. Run hills, lift weights, do yoga whatever contributes to building fitness FOR YOU.

I think too many people believe that marathon training is the ultimate guide to fitness. The cram da la cram of race distances. I have meet more out of shape newbie marathoners than I have couch potatoes.

Take your time and join me for the long haul...

So if you have a good strong heart already from cycling centuries and skiing marathons you can increase distance more quickly as long as the rest of your body holds up? Can I assume that?