Question:
I wonder if 6 / 7 months is sufficient to train up to do a marathon in a
reasonable time - say 4 hours - i.e. 9 minute miles.
I ran years ago, but has done very little hard exercise for about 10 / 12
years. I walk a fair bit though and am only maybe a stone overweight. I'm 38
nearly 39 and would love to complete a marathon having run/jogged all the
way.
I'm prepared to see my doc for a check up and start gradually.
Is 6/ 7 months a realistic prospect or am I kidding myself ?
Answer:As with all of these types of questions, it depends on the individual but I
think its just about enough time if you build up slowly and dont get
injured. Your first priority would be gradually increasing your mileage. I
would suggest you buy a half decent running book such as Daniels Running
Formula or Galloways Book of Running (although I cant say I agree with his
run/walk stuff, it may be a way to build up miles).
I'd be tempted to say to you - don't even enter for a marathon
until you've had a solid year of running behind you. I speak from
experience. You can build cardio fitness quite quickly, but it takes far
longer to develop mechanical endurance in your legs. Marathon training is
harsh on the legs, and it's far better to approach it with an endurance base
of 15-25 miles per week, rather than straight from scratch. Why not test
yourself with some 10k or half-marathon goals?
However, if you do decide to run the marathon, then that goal is quite
possibly achievable. Remember that you actually have 5 months, not 6,
because the last month is more about tapering before the race. Then out of
those 5 months, you will need to slowly (very slowly!) build up aerobic
endurance and your mileage. When you break down the training, 6 months is
not all that long! Don't do any speedwork until you are ready - just steady
running, building up the time (rather than distance) will get your aerobic
base.
If you do decide to go for it, then best of luck, and I hope you realise
your goals! If you decide to postpone it (e.g. enter for London 2005), then
join a club, get running, enjoy some shorter races in 2004, and enter into
the winter of that year ready to attack the marathon schedule, and a
sub-4:00 goal, with strong legs!
