Runner's Training Tips: First time marathon...

Hello everyone,

 I just started (on week 2 of hal higdon novice) training for my first marathon. I have been running for about 3-4 months prior to this, probably about 5-10 miles per week. I'm not a 'runner' (i will never be fast or really great at it) but i enjoy it and a marathon is my lifetime goal!

I was just wondering if it's ok just try to do this race without any prior half marathons, etc. I ran a 10k a month ago and it was awesome.

 Also, my long run this week of 7 miles was fine, but the day after my knees were killing me! Should i continue increasing my milage or should i drop down to a half this year and try for a marathon next?

 

Thanks

Oh I just spent like 10 minutes typing comments only to have an error.  Oh well. 

hmpowers - I am not an expert but can relate because last year I attempted my first full marathon.  I ran x-country in high school and then after a couple of years of random running, took 8 years off of running or much exercise at all.  Last year I just went for it and began training. I started in March and it took me about 3-4 months just to build a base of 5-6 mile runs.  I increased my runs throughtout July and August and ran a half in early September.  My longest run up to that point was 11 miles.  I had fun and half marathons are definately a good race to run.  I then decided to go for the full in November.  I was able to get in LRs of 15, 17, 18, and 19.5 before tapering three weeks prior to the full.  I completed it in 3:57 which I was happy with.  Also in hind sight, I wished I had more time to get in longer LRs and recovery in between.  But that's what this year is for.  I suggest looking for a half in the middle of your training for th full. It's a good measuring stick of where your body is and how it might react in that longer race setting - plus it's a great experience.  Just my two cents.  But the bottom line is you will need to make sure that you get in LRs of 3 or 4 hours.  Your body needs to know what it's like to run for that length of time.  Good luck!

Swallow is right...racing is addictive. 

I can't speak for Hal's program but friends of mine say it's good. I am prepping for the USMC Marathon at the end of October. I am excited since it is my first one and raising money for Wounded Warrior. I have been using Galloway's program (loosely) and find the concept great for me. Like hmpowers, I ran competitively in HS and loved running through much of college. The "job" had gotten in the way (at least it was my excuse) for not running so much in recent years until I spent the last year in Saudi Arabia--then I had nothing but time to go run! i am back to loving running again and so very glad. I said I was using Galloway's plan loosely because my travel get in the way from time to time but being back in America will hopefully stabilize that routine. Definitely don't slack on the long runs. I was in NYC last week and it was time for a longer run in my plan. I planned to just go across the Brooklyn Bridge and jog past some of the sights. Galloway's run/walk method (and a desire to jsut keep going) led me to run 28 miles in 4:45. Not fast and hindered a bit by rush hour traffic, but the run/walk got me to the end. i wasn't sore, had energy for sightseeing with my family later and went running the next day. Because of the LR, I am not afraid of the unknown. I'm met the wall (it sucked) but I have beat it once and am ready to do it again. Your body does some interesting stuff after 3+ hours of running/walking. It was good to see it before my first marathon. Ready to do it again in the near future. I recommend PowerGel for along the way and of course stay hydrated. You need to take care of yourself since there's no race support people to help. Run Safe! Matt

I've used Hal Higdon's program in the past for my first half and am using it again for another in the fall.  I think the problem with burning out could be twofold: 1. you weren't ready to take on a full marathon and 2. you weren't listening to your body.  I often contemplate one day doing a full marathon, but I don't know that I have the attention span to run 4 hours...no joke.  However, should I get the notion to do so I would more than likely use his program for it. 

With that said,  I have also used Jeff Galloway's program to start me out running when I couldn't even make it a half a mile, and firmly believe that were it not for him I would have given up.  Eventually when I was able to cover some ground without stopping, I chaged to Hal's program.  I have a lot of respect fo both men, and were it not for them I'd still be sitting on my butt eating pork rinds and having a beer.  (Ok, I still occasionally do that.)

Remember: listen to your body regardless of what program you're on.

Best of luck!