Marathon Man, advice welcome

Rickypt · #1 10-23-2006, 08:00 PM

I have just been accepted to run the 2007 Boston Marathon as part of a charity team.

This will be my first marathon. I was a long-distance runner in high school, but that was a very long time ago. I've been doing lots of cardio at the gym this year just to build up endurance. But now I need to get going with the "how to run a marathon with six months of training" program. From all the websites I've researched, it is doable as long as you focus on increasing your mileage on Sunday runs each week until you can run 22 miles or so.

Anyone here have experience with marathons, and particularly with this six month program? I'm kind of nervous.

Ghost_Tracker · #2 10-23-2006, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickypt

I have just been accepted to run the 2007 Boston Marathon as part of a charity team.

This will be my first marathon. I was a long-distance runner in high school, but that was a very long time ago. I've been doing lots of cardio at the gym this year just to build up endurance. But now I need to get going with the "how to run a marathon with six months of training" program. From all the websites I've researched, it is doable as long as you focus on increasing your mileage on Sunday runs each week until you can run 22 miles or so.

Anyone here have experience with marathons, and particularly with this six month program? I'm kind of nervous.

My advice would be, "Find Samantha Power and tell her Tim says 'Hi' and that he thought her book was great." Of course, that's just me.

Other than that, I would suggest doing lots of hills; except 'ya gotta remember that doing that puts more stress on your knees, hips etc. But running uphill works your leg muscles a little differently; a little more; etc. and helps you build strength and endurance.
And isn't there something called "carbo loading?"

carrie721 · #3 10-23-2006, 08:42 PM

sorry, i don't have any marathon experience/knowledge, but i wanted to say congrats! that's really cool.

Rickypt · #4 10-23-2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost_Tracker

Other than that, I would suggest doing lots of hills

That's pretty much a given since I live in San Francisco!

irishgrl · #5 10-23-2006, 08:48 PM

Good Luck! I applaud your ambition! do you already run up and down hills? where does the route take you?

Rickypt · #6 10-23-2006, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishgrl

Good Luck! I applaud your ambition! do you already run up and down hills? where does the route take you?

You mean my training route, or the Boston marathon route?

JazmenFlowers · #7 10-23-2006, 08:50 PM

get the "Couch to 5K" podcast. it is awesome. even though it's 5K, it will help build your endurance. good luck!!!!

Rickypt · #8 10-23-2006, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

get the "Couch to 5K" podcast. it is awesome. even though it's 5K, it will help build your endurance. good luck!!!!

I will do, thanks.

Rickypt · #9 10-23-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrie721

sorry, i don't have any marathon experience/knowledge, but i wanted to say congrats! that's really cool.

Thanks, it's something I've always wanted to do and this is the right opportunity. I feel like I haven't really challenged myself much recently, physically or otherwise.

carrie721 · #10 10-23-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Thanks, it's something I've always wanted to do and this is the right opportunity. I feel like I haven't really challenged myself much recently, physically or otherwise.

i know the feeling. for what it's worth, my friend who is a runner said that if you can run a half-marathon, the next 13 miles are all mental. i can't wait to hear about your progress!

BlackWidow · #11 10-23-2006, 09:14 PM

Hey Ryan!
You'll do great!!!

Rickypt · #12 10-23-2006, 09:22 PM

^ Thanks!

Another thing, I developed asthma as an adult, so I'm a little concerned about how that will impact the run. My asthma is induced by allergies and April will be right in the middle of my bad season.

I figure since I'm not racing or anything, the goal will just be to finish and if I have to walk from time to time, then so be it.