Anyone know what date the 2008 full marathon closed? (and my story)

[WillJenDisney]

My g/f (23), dad (57), and I (25) all just started attempting to train for the full marathon. However, as I have had numerous issues with terrible shin splints and knee pains in the past, I've never been able to run consistently for even a month without having to stop (thus, pathetically, I'd never built up enough endurance to run more than a mile and a quarter at a time without walking in my life). May have something to do with having been overweight (6'2", 240 last year when I tried running), not stretching properly, or not having the right shoes.

Anyway, when my g/f and dad (who has run the 1/2 marathon before) decided to start training for it, I decided to give it another shot. This time I have been weight lifting for a year, so my legs are stronger than before, and I'm down to weighing 225, which still isnt where I should be, but I figure any extra off has to help. I started out running just once a week, which I know won't do much for building endurance, but I was hoping to ease my calves into it so the shin splints wouldn't come up. They started to a little bit and I took a week and a half off, and I decided to toss my old New Balance 787(? i think)'s and bought some Asics Kayano 14's (I went to a running store and had them bring me a few pair based on my gait, over-pronating, etc, never even asked about price, and was a bit taken aback by the $150 total that came up. But hey, if I avoid injury, they're priceless). I've started taking an anti-inflammatory an hour before I run and putting hot compresses on my shins before the run and icing them after. After 3 weeks of single runs per week, I ran twice last week and started an official 26 week training program for beginners today, and managed 2 miles without walking for the first time ever (21 minutes). So far, no real problems with the shins since the new shoes/anti-inflammatory/hot compress routine (granted only 3 runs, but still, better than before). A little sore after the run, but I iced them and they seem to be ok (at least not hurting to the touch as they have in the past) No other real issues yet outside the general soreness that comes with running when you havent in a long time.

So thus (finally) comes the reason for my question. While I'm feeling pretty good about things right now, obviously I'm a looooooooong way from a marathon. Given my injury history, I'm a little timid about registering for the event and am hoping to have a couple more weeks to see how its going before I sign up to make sure the shin splints or knee pains dont come up. So this is my long-winded way of wondering when the marathon filled last year so I have an idea how long I have to make a decision. The website says 70%, but it hasnt updated in a couple weeks. I assume this year will fill a little sooner than last year, I'm just trying to get a general idea.

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[rKyDeX]

On 08/20/07, the 2008 Marathon was 98% capacity.

Chester
W.I.S.H. Half-Fast Marathon Team

 

[Cindylou]

The 2008 marathon was the 15th anniversary and promised a super secret medal, so it may have filled up faster than this year's might. No promises though.

Good luck with your training.

 

[FireDancer]

If the marathon fills you will most likely still be able to get a place through Anthony Travel. By the time I knew I could get down there for the half last year it was already closed. I tried Anthony Travel and everything went just fine.

I will warn you though that you will have to purchase a package though, so if you already have your rooms booked or a package you will have to cancel and re-book.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

It went to 75% yesterday. It went to 70% on 6/28.

The 2008 race filled on 8/23/07(from a poster on my forum).

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Now that you have an idea about the date, I'd also recommend that you pick a program to follow. You do not want to go too fast/far too quickly. You CAN do this, but you may not be able to run the entire way. Will you be ok with the idea of walking/running?

There are many choices of plans to follow. Many here follow John Bingham or Hal Higdon programs as well as others you can find through the link at the top of this thread.

Join in and let us know how you are progressing. WISH Team will help make your experience much more fun!

 

[WillJenDisney]

Thank you for all the information and advice! The marathon only filling an additional 5% is certainly encouraging and should give me the time I need to get a better feel for how realistic the goal is.

I ran 2 miles again today, shins did not feel good though, right especially (on the upper side of the road, so I think the crown, however slight, was causing more over-pronation towards the lower side of the road, hence the pain). I iced both shins for 20 minutes twice, we'll see how it feels tomorrow, then I'll decide if I should skip a run on Friday and bike or walk instead.

Thanks again!

 

[tigger2esq]

good luck!! it was definitely well into August when I registered last year I am guessing you still ahve lots of time. if its only at 75% now the last 25% will go slow. Keep an eye on it and see how you feel when it hits 90%. (I registered last year when it was at 95%)