First Time Marathoner 2013 - looking for other runners...

[Andrea runs 26 pt 2]

Hi...

I'm seriously thinking about training for the January 2013 marathon. I haven's run much recently but have completed a few half marathons, including Disneyland a few years ago. I've gained some significant weight and I would love to lose weight and run a marathon near my 40th birthday (I turn 40 in Nov. 2012).

My goal to is to spend the next 3-4 months building a base and then run a half in April. I'll continue to run throughout the spring and summer 2012 and then, about 20 weeks pre-race, start my official race training (I may decide to hook up with Team in Training for that race...haven't yet decided).

Anyway, I would love to find other runners who are thinking about running the Disney 2013 Marathon - support and accountability would be fantastic.

Happy Running.

Andrea

 

[RunRookie]

Then you have come to the right forum. There are really nice and supportive people here. Some are long-time runners while others are new to running and looking for inspiration, advice, and encouragement.

I fall into the latter category as I just started running in March. I have run several races this year, and I am training for the WDW Half Marathon in January 2012 (it will be my first Half). Like you, I plan for WDW Marathon in 2013 to be my first Full Marathon, especially since that will be the 20th anniversary of that race so the medal will be unique.

Welcome to our community!

 

[Andrea runs 26 pt 2]

Thank Rick:

I'm excited and scared about commiting to a full marathon. My biggest problem is that I can commit to a running program for 6-8 months and then get busy, tired, bored, stressed, whatever and stop running. That's why I am hoping that if I start training now a long term goal that will keep me from quitting.

You will do great in January at the half.

I look forward to seeing in WDW in January 2013.

Andrea

 

[RunRookie]

Run easy, and have fun on your runs. Don't push to run too far or too fast. That leads to injury and burnout. If your runs are fun, you'll keep wanting to do them.

I like to find different places to run to keep things interesting visually. And I do schedule various 5K and 10K races during my training period so that they are 'mini goals' to keep me motivated and working towards something a bit closer than next January.

I fit the races within my training plan so that they become part of my training rather than something 'extra' to do.

We are going to have a lot of fun in WDW!! WISH and Hakuna Matata have some meet-ups scheduled during the weekend so you should definitely try to come to one (totally up to you).

 

[crewmatt]

One of the big things that helps with consistency is to find a local running club, chances are your town has one and you dont even know it. This way you can have like minded people, and nothing gets you out of bed and running in the morning or afternoon like knowing someone else is going to be waiting for you at the corner.

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

Hi Andrea,
DW and I are planning on the 2013 Marathon Weekend. It will be her 1st Marathon and my 1st since 1984. A fall half in your training plan should help keep you motivated in fall. Wine and Dine at WDW is a fun race, and there are many interesting local fall races wherever you are.

Mike

 

[dragitoff]

I'm doing my first 1/2 this spring in my hometown and then also shooting for my first full at WDW in Jan. 2013! I'm much like you where I have to set long-term goals. I also set short-term goals too because sometimes the long-term ones are easy to say, "oh, I've got plenty of time to work on that!"

 

[Andrea runs 26 pt 2]

Thanks for all the replies thus far. I am slowing building up my base (running no more than 2 to 2 1/2 miles at a time). Done this routine many times before so I know it will take me a good 3 months to build up my base to 3-4 miles at a time wtihout taxing myself too greatly. And I'm excited each time I run because I know there is a larger goal in mind. DISNEY!!!!!!!

I've run my half marathon's taking minimal walking breaks (usually just water stops and maybe 1 or 2 other times). Any thoughts on the Jeff Galloway program of walking regular intervals. I have been doing a lot of research on trying to figure out which is the best plan for me for a full marathon and I always thought that taking regular breaks wasn't truly running, but I am thinking for my first endeavor to run a full marathon, that may be the way to go. I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts about this vs. other plans.

Thanks,
Andrea

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

There are many of us here who actually walk the entire distance. I think your fitness abilities will be the determining factor in whether you can run the entire event or not. There is no shame in walking parts and as a first marathon in Disney you will find many opportunities to "play" along the course. You might want to train carrying a camera so you might take a moment or two to enjoy the view along the way.