From couch to half marathon?

[james'mommy]

I just recently started working out at the gym. I want to work up my stamina and be able to go longer and faster. Right now my goal is to lose 15 pounds and get toned. I want to look hot in a bikini by our May trip. I'm feeling good about my new fitness plan. I want to start running. And what would give me more motivation than a trip to Disney. I'm think of doing the Princess Half Marathon in '11. Do you think it's possible to go from couch to half marathon in 13 months? I need some help on getting gear. I just have regular sneakers. Should I get running shoes? What kind of clothes do I need? I figure my yoga pants aren't going to cut it. TIA.

 

[marathonmommy]

The Princess in 11 is reasonable. If you start now, I think you could even do the half at the big one in January. Pick up John Bingham's book, Marathoning for Mortals. I found that book to be extremely inspirational for a first timer, and its funny, too!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Sure, don't know why not.
You need to go to a good local running store. explain what you are planning on doing. Find a plan to train for a Half marathon and go for it.
I had been a walker/racewalker for some time and did it as part of losing weight. I was having lots of problems walking because of degenerative osteoarthristis in my right foot big toe. After having surgery and then having no "excuse" to get out there and walk again, I came upon an article in All Ears about someone who walked the WDW Half Marathon. I said, now that seems like something I could do. You just have to keep in mind to do a 16 min mile pace or better.
I found a training program to walk a half marathon that was 16 weeks long. I went to the local running store and got good supportive shoes (as that is what they recommended) got my orthotics all renewed and off I went.
Was able to complete my first Half Marathon at WDW in 3hours 17min.
YOU CAN DO IT!! no question, plus you have PLENTY of time. Don't rush into things, as you don't want to deal with injuries if you can help it, oh and there is always intervals, which is what I am doing now, it's the Galloway method, where you jog or run for a certain amount of time and then you walk. Check some of his books or go online to check it out.

Good luck to you and come back to the monthly thread and let us know how you are doing!

-Tracy

 

[cewait]

First step must be the running store. I see and coach so many folks who run in their 8 month old cross trainers and wonder why they hurt.

Get a pair of good fitted running shoes. Do not go to a biug box store where the person selling running shoes this week may have sold electronics last week.

As far as clothing anything goes as you start off but you will soon want to most to tech fabrics that wick moisture away from the body. This helps cool you (or keep you warm if winter) and prevents chaffing.

Now here's the wake up call, your goal is not much of a stretch goal. You will be running 5k within 3-6 weeks with little issue. From there you are only 8-112 weeks from a half if you wanted to push scheduling. I do not think a full next January is out of the question as this point. At a minimum, I would be looking at a half in the summer or fall just to keep you motivated.

 

[james'mommy]

Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming. I want to keep the costs down since it will be a short Th-Su trip so I'm pretty much decided on going in January and doing the half then. It would be a 30 DVC point savings. I'm gonna start my training plan on Tu since DS will be back in school.

 

[Kira G.]

I'm going to second what Charles said and suggest that you look for a local half in the summer or fall.

I started on this path in January 2008, with a goal of doing the half in January 2009. When I started getting going with my training, it became clear that I needed a goal that was a bit less far-off to keep me motivated. I put a 5K on the calendar for April, a 10K for June, and a half in September (all in my local area). That really worked for me, and the Disney half last year was icing on the cake! I wasn't nervous at all, and I just went out and had a great time!

You can search for races in your area at various websites - I use http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/ .

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming. I want to keep the costs down since it will be a short Th-Su trip so I'm pretty much decided on going in January and doing the half then. It would be a 30 DVC point savings. I'm gonna start my training plan on Tu since DS will be back in school.

You have a goal, and you will achieve it!!

Go to the running store - let them see your stride, and your foot movement - get the shoes that are designed to fit you, that is PRICELESS - give up eating out for lunch... or something to get those shoes!!

Get the socks there too!! 1 pair of good socks with great shoes -

Then you can go to Target and get some lower priced wicking type shorts, and top - and a 'sports' bra!!

and be consistent with your training - keep up the miles, starting slowly, adding on - dont give up! Expect to have a bad day now and again - so keep the goal in mind!!

 

[hussfat]

You are getting good advice. In terms of clothing, I will add - no cotton!

The best advice I was given when I began running, was to enter as many races as possible - when you are ready, of course! - to get used to the experience. 5km, 5 miler, 10km, etc. They will keep you motivated and help you understand race preparation and course management.

Have fun with it!

 

[timmac]

Just to give you another data point to work with, I can personally confirm it's possible to go from couch to FULL marathon in 9 months. (In fairness, I'll say it was another 5 months past that to where I felt like I was doing relatively well running a full marathon) My first half I ever did was 6 months post-couch.

It's already been said, but definitely go to the running store first. Save yourself a lot of the early injuries that way

Good luck, see you at a race in WDW soon enough

 

[GBBTomorrow]

You rock! You can absolutely do this. I'm living proof: I started basically sedentary, ran less than a quarter of a mile, gasping and panting, on September 1, 2008, and this past Sunday I finished my first marathon. Never in my wildest dreams would I thought myself capable of this, and yet, step by step, I did it.

Reading this board has been a tremendous help on this journey, so get in the habit now. I found it rather late, and wish I had come across it sooner. The people here are so nice and give very knowledgeable advice.

I second the advice to avoid cotton. Nothing will tear up your skin worse than wet cotton rubbing under your arms, for example. Beyond that, wear whatever is comfortable. If you live where it is cold, I would invest in some nice gloves. My hands get cold when I run, and this is a big help. You might also like to get a spi-belt or other waist pouch to hold your keys, ID, etc.

Good luck, and have a fun journey!

 

[FFigawi]

You can absolutely go from couch to full marathon in one year. That's what I did. 5 years ago this month, my wife encouraged me to train for an April 10-k with her, I ran my first half that September, my first full that November, and my first ultra (50 miles) in February the following year. Little did she know she's created a medal-chasing monster.

I'd recommend trying to find a group to train with in your area. Everyone is different, but I like doing my long runs in a group. Keeps me from getting bored or slacking off. When you visit your local running store, they should be able to help you find a group too. If not, there are lots of training plans for half and full marathons available online or from people here.

Good luck!

 

[Ronda93]

Absolutely doable. I started C25K a year ago and did the half last weekend. After the nine week program I continued to run 10 miles a week until starting the Marathoning for Mortals plan last fall.

Good shoes, good socks, no cotton and remember anything that rubs will chafe.

Ronda

 

[james'mommy]

I have a question. I started sriously at the gym last week. I did 6 days. I work out with a friend to get me motivated. I'm not over doing it. I do about 35 minutes on the treadmill at 3.4 mph and then some light weights. I still want to work out with my friend. Would it be okay to still do the treadmill at the gym on the days that I also do the C25K?

 

[timmac]

I have a question. I started sriously at the gym last week. I did 6 days. I work out with a friend to get me motivated. I'm not over doing it. I do about 35 minutes on the treadmill at 3.4 mph and then some light weights. I still want to work out with my friend. Would it be okay to still do the treadmill at the gym on the days that I also do the C25K?

Sounds like you might be at risk of overdoing it. As an alternative, on those days, you could do your C25K training ON the treadmill.

 

[james'mommy]

Today was Day 1. I didn't run as much as the c25k program said to do. I think music will help. I'm going to look into it. I figure some running was better than no running.

 

[timmac]

Today was Day 1. I didn't run as much as the c25k program said to do. I think music will help. I'm going to look into it.

It might just take you a bit longer than the standard program to ramp up, nothing wrong with that. As long as you make progress, that's what counts

I figure some running was better than no running.

 

[laxdef69]

something is always better than nothing.

If you haven't gotten the book yet try to remember this:

To avoid injury, no more than 10% weekly increase in training volume, or your long run...no matter how good you're feeling!

 

[Razor Roman]

I just got an iPod Touch and bought a Couch25K App for it that prompts you when to run, walk, etc while you listen to your own music... I'm hoping to start it next week!

 

[Swmr359]

It's possible! I started training for this years princess 1/2 the day after last years. I'm now up to 11 miles I run 3 times a week, and have gotten back into swimming once or twice a week. I was in resonable shape to start with, but was recovering from a back injury.
Good Luck!!!!

 

[SingingMUA]

I'm glad I found this topic... because I have been wanting to do the WDW Half for years now. I have a significant amount of weight to lose, as well as some other health issues (I have Lupus... my biggest complaints are joint pain and fatigue). However, as I said, it has always been a desire of mine to do the WDW half marathon. And I just made the decision last night that I want to register for the 2011 WDW Half Marathon. I recently joined a gym (almost a month ago), and have already started to lose some weight (of course with my doctor's ok... he's thrilled, actually LOL )

Does anyone have any experience with losing significant weight (more than 50lbs) while also attempting to prepare to do a half marathon?? Now, I'm not planning to attempt to run the entire way, but certainly will jog some of the way (while also walking some of the way). Any thoughts/suggestions??