Marathon training

[nichorob]

Chaps,

Much to my amazement and surprise, I got accepted into the 2014 London Marathon yesterday. I completely forgot I applied and am a bit out of shape in the extreme that I don't think I could run even one mile at the moment. Can I train for a marathon in six months? How should I go about it?

Thank you.

 

[arknor]

buy a bike
much easier than jogging/running and gets your heart rate up all the same.
probably the easiest way to work on fitness.
but you should check out

Platypus's Beginners Guide to Running
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17709521

I’ve also included a brief beginners section specifically for Marathons as they seem to be an overwhelmingly popular reason for people to start running (“I want to run the London marathon!”) – I figured that experienced runners already have their training and race plans. If people want me to though I can post some more information for that.

 

[blitzwing85]

Chaps,

Much to my amazement and surprise, I got accepted into the 2014 London Marathon yesterday. I completely forgot I applied and am a bit out of shape in the extreme that I don't think I could run even one mile at the moment. Can I train for a marathon in six months? How should I go about it?

Thank you.

Pleased I'm not in your shoes...

Sorry, had to

 

[Disco Boy]

There are lots of marathon training guides on the Internet. Pick one.

 

[div0]

Easily.

I'm actually running the Loch Ness Marathon this Sunday.

Best thing to do is to start now and build up slowly. The only thing that'll really set you back would be illness or an injury, so just take things easy especially to begin with.

Some decent information here: http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/

The main things I've found are:

• You'll have far more success by doing regular short (fast) runs, than just focussing on trying to run further and further.
• But you will need to eventually get your body used to running distances of 15-20 miles, so one day a week should be spent with a focus more on increasing distance.
• Food / energy has a huge effect when you do get to these sort of large distances, even if you're super fit and used to running. I think my number 1 tip is that a lack of energy in the final few miles is likely to be your biggest enemy - so eat (and drink) well and maybe even carry some energy bars.
• If you can afford to, try to enter some local races over the duration of your traning, maybe a 5k or two, then up to 10k and possible the odd half marathon a month or two before your marathon day. More than anything else, that should help keep you committed to your training.

I would go into more details, but it really depends a lot on your starting point and what your goals are. If you stick with it and train regularly then a marathon is easily achievable in 6 months.

 

[arknor]

yea there are probably 5k fun runs at a local park near you.

there's loads of stickers about 2 different 5 km runs at one of my local parks that seem open to anyone who wants to get some exercise and they happen every week