You have a 12-16 mpw base right now, not counting cadio, and your target is a marathon a year or less away. It's not recommended, but is doable, but what's the rush around the 40-year mark? Far better to double your base mileage for a year or so and then evaluate whether you can handle the stress or commitment of marathon training, which off-the-cuff will probably triple the time commitment you have to fitness training right now; also, you don't know how your body would respond to the increased workload in the short and longer term.

That being said, many people have done what you're asking. What I suggest then, if you want to try this, is to spend the next six months doubling your base volume; if you can do that successfully ( get to a consistent 30 mpw range and your body doesn't rebel), then you will be in good position to impelement one of the many marathon training plans out there that take you from that base to a marathon in 4-6 months.

Good luck!

Absolutely!

oooh- this is a great first post for me! Actually, I am probably not the best influence but I have a bit of advice. First off, I don't do any other sports than running and I have never trained properly, unfortunately. With this said, I have found that a HUGE part of these distance races is mental. I did my first half at the ripe old age of 32 - Dec. 2004. I basically trained for a 10K with a few longer runs but mostly runs like you mentioned of 3-4 miles. Finished in 2:15. The next year, trained a little more - basically, for a half marathon with regular 5-6 milers and quite a few 8-10 thrown in regularly- but had convinced myself to run the full marathon this time so, even with bronchitis the previous week, still did it. Half was a still respectable 2:30 due to pacing for the full but took 6 hours to finish the whole thing. Then I got hurt skiiing (fully recovered in a few months) but was out of the running habit. Gained 20 lbs and ran on and off. Signed up for Disney 2008 Marathon in June '07 with intentions of training as it is held in January. Kind of forgot to train with my longest run being 7 miles for the previous 2 years. Mostly 3-4s. I got talked into going with the intentions of shooting for finishing the half and quitting. The downside to this is that the half is run a day earlier so I would basically be a "quitter" on the full. Saw the medal the night before and thought "I can do this!". So finished in 6:12- half was 2:40. That was 4 weeks ago (now 36) - took a week off while sore, then another week off for skiing, then ran very regularly for two weeks with a couple of 6s and one 8 miler, and this morning did the Gasparilla Half in 2:29 (almost a minute off per mile from one month ago just from consistent running for a couple of weeks). I have also now become motivated and decided to join a real running group with regular runs to keep me motivated. They also offer marathon training and I am excited to see what I can do with some proper training!

So, my recommendations are -

1) Stay consistent & train as much as possible. Join a group - it really helps. If you can't keep up, even better as it motivates you all the more. If you don't get a lot of longer runs in, try to get at least one or two in to see how your body reacts. I believe as long as you run regularly, even the shorter runs will keep your body moving. Even though I did it, I don't recommend not training properly as it really can hurt you - even permanently and then you can't run at all. Plus recovery takes a LOT longer.

2) consider a flat and mild temperature race, especially if that is where you are used to training - Florida races in the winter are great! My first half and full were the Palm Beach Marathon, which I HIGHLY recommend as it is very organized and little smaller. Great weather, well at least great temperatures (the first year was blowing rain but warm enough not to freeze) . Disney Marathon is great but the half and full are on different days. It is really an experience and I believe they keep your mind so off of running with the entertainment that it is less painful. Also plan on a VERY early morning.

3) try doing some races beforehand - especially a half marathon that is run at the same time as a full to see what to really expect.

4) don't expect to have an amazing time on your first one - just try to finish and pace yourself to do so.

5) proper equipment is VERY important

• iPod, if you like music (have somewhere to put it if you take it off as it may get annoying - I train with music but don't like it for races as the surrounding noises and talking are helpfully distracting)

• shoes - spend the money - find the right shoes - make sure they are broken in BEFORE the race

-clothing - don't wear anything new. My first race I forgot my shorts and had to buy a new pair. Ended up bleeding on the fronts of both legs by the end.

-socks - plan on having blisters! try running longer training runs with different types of socks - I like the double socks that, in theory, rub against their own layers instead of your skin

6) diet- don't change mine too much. Just make sure to drink LOTS of water for at least two weeks before the race. Even if you don't like gatorade type drinks, alternate them with water even early during the race before you feel thirsty. I take water and Gatorade and mix them while running. Become a banana lover - they really do help with cramps. Energy gels are great to have on hand for the race, too. Try some out before the race so you don't get grossed out while running. you can try the pasta thing the night before but not too late. Also, since you don't want to waste time at a portapotty once the race starts, try to get up a little early and drink some coffee so you can get your bathroom thing out of the way (this is one piece of advice no one ever likes to talk about or give but I wish someone had told me ahead of time)

7) Last, do your race and be proud of yourself - enjoy!

Go for it!

I started running at 45 for 1 year at 15-20 miles per week. Run marathon @ 46 w/ simple addition of long run on weekend. Ran 1st marathon under 4 hrs. on training of 20-30 miles per week

Good luck.

I ran my first Marathon after age 50, I have now completed 4 , several halves, and numerous 5 and 10K 's . I love running, I read runners world regularly there are all kinds of training schedules in there. The biggest thing is shoes and water, you get that figured out the rest is just a matter of sticking with it and getting across the finish line.

My favorite Marathon in California, (of the ones I have completed) is the SF one held in the summer, this year August 3rd, it is not easy but it is a great run, make sure you have some of your training in the foot hills , it will make it a lot easier on you.

I run a marathon in about 6: hours 6 min to 17 min ~ Not fast but consistant. My goal is to break 6 hours with out breaking any body parts! If you can dream it you can acheive it!

Good Luck!

go for it! I'd recommend doing a charity run (if you can handle the fund raising in addition to the training). If you do one of the bigger events, like Chicago, DC or NY, it is helpful to do the charity groups as they usually have a special place for gear check for the charity people and in addition, you get to train with other people, which can make getting through all those miles easier if you know you are doing it with others or to help others (in addition to the personal satisfaction). Also, if you don't feel like you have the base mileage to do it, just focus on finishing instead of trying to do the race in say 4 hours, etc. That makes things easiser as well.

Good Luck if you do it.