Any marathon runners here?
 

Hi! One of my goals this year, since I am turning 30, is to train and run a marathon. BIG GOAL and I am very excited but I want to do it correctly. I love in LA and there are plenty of marathons near here. Some begin training now, others I have to wait for a few months.

Anyone have any advice/suggestions for beginning this venture? Thanks!

My first question would be if you have been running regularly prior to this decision to run a marathon or not? You need to build up some sort of base. Even if it is something like 10miles/week. Depending on how much prior training you have done, will also help determine the length of training you need to do prior to your marathon. On average, I would say most training programs for marathons are 3 months. Also, another thing to consider is the marathon course and the race itself. For your first marathon, I think doing a larger one is probably more enjoyable--the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon is always really popular. You might consider doing your training with the Lukemia Society or one similar--they are generally good with first-timers. If you are still trying to decide on a race, www.runnersworld.com has some great info on marathons and training. Good luck and enjoy yourself!

Thank you for the information tri-d! Yes, I know about the committment I am making and how much time it may take to train. I appreciate your help!!!:D

I have never run a marathon before, but am doing the San Diego run ... with Team In Training ... to raise money for the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society ... our kickoff is tomorrow. You can go to www.teamintraining.org (I Think) for more info.

Thank you so much for this information alphachiohmy! I actually began my training with Team In Training and am training for the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon on June 6th. I am so excited!!!

major bump-
 

To marathon runners-
What is your advice to someone who can't train with a group but just with a personal trainer (who has done the marathon before)? My schedule doesn't allow me to train with a group- should I wait until I can do that or just go with a trainer? I heard the group support pulls you through the experience.

thanks.

I'm considering doing a half marathon in the spring, and while it's not as big a deal as a marathon, it wouldn't even occur to me to train with a group or a trainer. Maybe I'm weird, but running is really something I do alone.

I've done a lot of 10K races and a half-marathon, and I've always trained alone or just with a friend.

I did a Half Marathon in 1998 (under 2 hours-- woo hoo!)
I don't have any advice, but reading Runner's World can be very inspirational. That's about it. :D

<--- training for a marathon. Hasn't been easy with the diabetes. But it's helping with my triathlon training. My run times have been getting much better.