So Ive decided to run a marathon.......I think.

[smacky1]

Ive picked my event and printed out my training schedule. Why do I have this nagging doubt that I can do this? Ive been a casual runner for about a year and have completed a few small 5K's. My last one I finished in 26 minutes. I set a goal to run a 10K this year and in working in longer runs, I found I really liked the long runs. I dont worry about time and find it really relaxing for my mind. So, Im up to 8 miles on my long run and at the end I do feel like I could do more. I keep looking over different training schedules and reading about training for marathons and I think it starts to overwhelm me. Anyone else go through this when setting your goal? Im super excited that Ive decided to do it, but I dont want to tell anyone because Im afraid I will fail.

 

[jmasgat]

Smacky1 You are not alone! I think everyone feels some fear the first time they decide to do a new distance, no matter how long--or short it is! Each distance presents its own unique challenge.

For me, I signed up to do my first race--the Minnie 15k, without even having run a race. Talk about afraid! But after the appropriate amount of training, some injuries, and lots of encoruagement from the great people here, I managed to do do it. And each new race or distance--whether it was 5k, 10k or half marathon--has been the same.

Just remember, on the good trainig days and especially on the bad trainig days--Training for a race like that is a process. It takes lots of time, can be initmidating, and doesn't always go smoothly. But in the end, the slow steady progression and work will get you to your goal.

You can do it. And we'll help.

Maura

 

[chimera]

You'll do great, smacky! Sounds like you've got an excellent base built up...what's your total weekly mileage look like? You could be ready for a half pretty quickly if you wanted to try an intermediate distance before tackling the full.

Lots and lots of training plans out there...many of us used John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals. I also like Hal Higdon's plans (www.halhigdon.com). Jeff Galloway has some good stuff too.

Come join us on the weekly training threads! Great place for advice and support. We'd love to have you.

 

[smacky1]

Thanks for the replies and words of encouragement. Where are the weekly training threads? I would really like to check them out. I am following the Novice 1 plan by hal higdon, but is somewhat modified as I had a longer training period than the 18 weeks.

 

[chimera]

Here's this week:

Wk of May 31 - WISH Team Walkers and Runners

We'll switch to a new week tonight.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome Smacky1!

You definitely will be able to do this. It seems like you've been doing quite well building up already.

I definitely went through the doubt and only told folks here on WISH of my first ambition. Finally I got the courage to tell my DH and from there a few others. It was a great exciting time to train for the first. It would be wonderful if you would join us on the weekly thread to share your training experience.

 

[Big Vic]

Smacky1 -

Yes, you can do it!

Come on in, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. We're here to answer any questions you may have.

 

[Duanerice]

You are not alone. Many of us here got excited about running a marathon but hadn't participated in any races of great length before signing up.

I had one local 5K under my belt. Never ran more than 5 miles. I initially thought about running the half. But, before I signed up I thought, what the heck why not try the full.

I was nervous, scared at times and certainly doubted if I could make it. But with the help form these fine folks and lots of training (have to do the training) I made it. You can too!

enjoy,
Duane

 

[snickerboo]

I'm in the same boat. Working my way up from 10Ks to do 2011 Disney marathon.

 

[Jynohn]

I signed up for my first marathon after never having run a race of any distance before. We were in Disney one January during marathon weekend, and I just said to my husband, "that looks like so much fun, I'm gonna sign up for next year." We got home and I registered that same week.

I found that telling friends and family was what kept me motivated during my training. If I hadn't told everyone what my goal was, I think it would have been much easier to give up once things started getting really challenging.

Good luck in your training, you can definitely do it!!!