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Click to view Grayson Stalvey's profile Rookie
Grayson Stalvey
1 posts since
May 14, 2008

Jun 2, 2008 8:01 AM

My First Marathon!


I ran my first marathon yesterday, the RNR in San Diego. I ran my first 10K in April (the Camp LeJeune mud run, which is how I even found this site, which I absolutely love now!), and started running longer distances. When I found out I wasn't deploying in May, I signed up for the Rock and Roll Marathon with my only goal being to finish with my head held high. My training wasn't ideal by any means (long runs of 9, 15 and 20 in two and a half weeks, the 20 being a week and a half before the actual marathon), but using the run/walk technique, I finished in 4:29:24. Crossing the finish line was the best feeling I've ever had. Suffice to say, I'm hooked. A friend of mine tried to convince me to do the Kodiak Marathon two years ago when I was living in Alaska, and now I wish I had. I'm taking the week off, then starting training for my next one, I'm thinking Tahoe in September. Any recommendations?

-Grayson

Click to view mrslade4's profile Rookie
mrslade4
2 posts since
Sep 27, 2007
1. Jun 2, 2008 8:56 AM in response to: Grayson Stalvey
Congratulations on your great success. I don't know how you felt during the run but considering your very short training period leading up to the San Diego RnR, you did great! If you find that you enjoy training I think that with a consistent, well-planned workout schedule will help you do even better. It was my first marathon as well and I trained on my own. Many people find it fun to train with others so if you're in an area that has a running club or triathlon club, try it! I imagine everyone is very welcoming. Great Job!
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Click to view Jay Silvio's profile Community Moderator
Jay Silvio
1,674 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
2. Jun 2, 2008 1:55 PM in response to: Grayson Stalvey
Grayson,
Welcome to active.com! Isn't it great to be hooked on running? Here are some links to articles that might help you find your next 'thon:
Top 8 Destination Running Events by an active.com newsletter.
http://community.active.com/message/458272

Best New(er) Race in A Guide to Some of the Best Marathons in North America
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/A_guide_to_some_of_the_best_marathons_in_North_America.htm?page=2

Marathons You Should Do In '08
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-281--12349-0,00.html

Good luck and happy running!
Jay
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Click to view Colleen DArcy's profile Rookie
Colleen DArcy
1 posts since
Jun 18, 2008
3. Jun 19, 2008 9:35 PM in response to: mrslade4
Hi! Congrats on completing your first marathon! I am in training for my very first marathon right now... 2008 Philadlphia Marathon on 11/23/08. It is hard to decide what is the best training schedule. I have never been a runner, but I am athletic and want to challenge myself. Any advice on the best training program ( I have 5 months) that will get me to the finish line in under 5 hours?
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Click to view mrslade4's profile Rookie
mrslade4
2 posts since
Sep 27, 2007
4. Jun 19, 2008 10:56 PM in response to: Colleen DArcy
I know a lot of people have had great success doing Team In Training. My 20 year old niece and first timer did that and finished in 4:29 two years ago. As a 51 year old geezer and first timer I used Jeff Galloway's book and his Run-Walk-Run method. It worked and offers great advice. I also finished the San Diego Rock N Roll in 4:29. If you are faithful to his workout plan I think you'll find success. Good luck! You can do it!
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