First time marathon runner

I'm running the marathon in 2013 for charity, I'm a first time marathon runner and a beginner as far as running goes, eek! I plan to start my training on Monday. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, such as good training websites/guides

hi Liz

Welcome to Realbuzz. Starting as soon as possible is a great idea - the sooner you can start the easier it will be and also less chance of injury. Do you do any running / fitness at the moment?

Which charity are you running for? Take its on a Gold Bond so good luck with teh fundraising.

In terms of training main things at the moment are to get into a routine and to try and run 3 or even 4 times a week. Distance and speed aren't that important but building the time on your feet is. Don't be afraid especially if a complete beginner to walk when you need (indeed frequent walk breaks will probably help you train better).

In my view from about Christmas is a good time to start following a marathon training program (as long as you get into routine now) and if you look up Hal Higdon you will find most of the basics . Although he now does a 30 week program for complete beginners which might be worth a look - 30 weeks would be about now (you had better check!) so may be ideal. Although it appears to be 5 days a week and starts with 3/4 mile runs which could well be too much

http://halhigdon.com/training/51143/Marathon-Novice-Supreme-Training-Program

Most programs are 16-20 weeks. And that would allow you to build time on feet up before kicking one off.

Standard advice if you don't follow a program yet is dont do too much too soon, build up steadily (no more than a total increase of 10% a week), get into routine (running rewards routine rather than massive leaps), get your feet checked at a decent running shop that does a Gait analysis  and most of all make sure you enjoy it!

In terms of guides I would highly recommend for beginners a new book by the runners world team in the USA - has a little bit of everything in there and if you like to know what you are doing and also why then its a great read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Runners-World-Book-Marathon-Half-Marathons/dp/1609616847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348323899&sr=8-1

Also will be plenty of help and support on here.

Best of luck in your journey.

Keith

One point to bear in mind when looking for a programme: first-timers can have different meanings.  Some programmes for beginners are for complete beginners (i.e. people who have never raced). while others are for beginners at the marathon distance.

Thank you for all of your advice Keith. Yes I am a gold bond runner, so lots of fundraising to be done alongside training. I am thrilled to be running it for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds. Since my initial post I have started training and I'm already starting to see a difference. I'll have a look at the resources you've suggested.

Initially I have decided to follow the beginners training plan from the marathon's website - http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/training-centre/training-advice/training-plans/beginner-24-week-training-plan/ and I've also ordered a CD rom from them which includes a 24 week training plan, I'm not sure whether it'll be identical to the one I've already accessed though.

Has anyone reading this followed, or plan to follow, the marathon's training guide?

Looking it it how would you rate it VS the Hal Higdon plan Keith? The marathon's guide is specifying you times whereas Hal's one is specifying distances...

I was also looking for some advice on treadmill training... as the nights are closing in I can forsee that I may make use of the treadmill more and more. I understand the importance of road running so my body gets used to the ground, however being the novice I am I don't know if using the treadmill too much is something I need to be worrying about.

Laurent- that's a good point you make and I will bear that in mind, Thank you.

Liz

No problem - lots of friendly advice on here from lots of people. Been on here  a few years and its great when people really get involved.

Personally I really don't like the program on the VLM site (no thats not true - I hate it) - main reason is that I think it is unrealistic. Expecting people to run 6 days a week just doesnt make sense to me for two reasons. Main one is that when inevitably life gets in the way missing a session will lead to negative feelings and possibly a downward spiral  ie missed one leads to missing two, three, four etc. Second reason is that I just don't think its necessary - know lots of runners, many who do muliple marathons, and very few isf any train six days a week - have no idea why VLM think its necessary when it just isnt. Better to be realistic in my opinion. (Have never consistently trained personally six days a week)

Interestingly the program in the acceptance magazine (if you have that yet) is much more realistic from memory but from the same people? Weird.

Time V Distance? Personally I prefer time (although Hal is distance) as its time on feet that really matters but its no big deal either way.

Treddies? They are either the devils invention or a great all weather tool. Personally I do some of my training on a treddie - as long as you get long runs on road then doesnt really matter if one/two of other sessions are on treddie in my opinion.

Resist the temptation to build up too much too fast and you will be grand.

keith

HI All

I to am a first time marathon runner. I have a gold bond place through World Horse Welfare (Im a horse nut!!), but am really excited about running.

I recently did the GNR, my first half, and loved it, although I was aiming for 2.30 I ended up at 3.02 as stopped to help an injured runner. I was disappointed with the time but hey ho!! that's life, you can't leave someone injured.

Anyway, I digress, I really want to start from scratch with the marathon training. I am told it is a completely different way of running to anything else and the sooner you start the training the better. I too am going to start on Monday.

I have heard so many conflicting things about training and especially nutrion, on what to and what not to eat. Does anybody know of any specific websites that recommend the types of food I should or should not be eating?

I really want to get this right and the sooner I start the better.

Thanks all

Trace x

Trace

Read as much as you like - but forget 80% of it.

Running a marathon is pretty simple. Put the training in steadily and consistently. Eat sensibly but no need to go over board and make sure you enjoy it

No need in my opinion to go onto a special eating regieme. Its better to eat sensibly but thats just common sense that we all ought to be doing all the time. Plenty of fruit and veg generally. An increase in carbs for many people in lead up to long runs and enough protein (chicken etc) after wards to help muscle recovery. Stay reasonably hydrated all the time

Running a marathon isn't that much different from a half. Just need to put in more training over a longer period but the principal is exactly the same.

Well done on helping someone out at GNR.

Keith

And don't be at all surprised if you feel hungry all the time once you really get into the running.

Hi

I am also a first time Marathon Runner, I entered the ballot for 2012 and 2013 but failed to get in both times. So i contacted the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital, I was a patient back in 2004 and have always wanted to run the marathon as a goal for myself, plus its a great way of giving something back to the Marsden to say thanks for all they did for me the past few years. As a result i was fortunate enough to get one of their Gold Bond places. So am really exctited but nervous.

I have been running on and off since May 2011 and maybe do around 15-20km a week along with spinning classes etc.  the longest runs i have been doing are around 10km but can finally do this now without stopping so am pleased, and my time for this has fallen from around 1hour 10mins to now 56mins.

I have been lurking on the board since i found out about my place, so not long! but its been a great insight and have gained lots of useful information.

I hope to start my training on Monday and i think after reading lots of posts, that i will go for the Hal Higdon Novice 2, i would love to complete the marathon in around 4hours 30mins. but not sure if thats to ambitious. I think i will just be greatfull to get round.

Rich

Rich

That should be great motivation for you.

Sounds like you have been building up a nice consistent base.

Forget aiming for a time at the moment. Just focus on getting used to it. No point hinking of a time (if at all) till you are up to much longer distances. But first marathon is all about finishing.

Best of luck

Keith

Thanks Keith

I have really enjoyed reading your responses which is why i thought i would post and join in.

i had never heard of Hal Higdon until this week! but i like the fact he states run for a distance/miles rather than time cause as long as i put the miles, doesnt matter how quick i do it in. I also found it reassuring he talks about walking breaks at aid stations etc. As had visions i would have to run 26miles nonstop.

I have been fitted for new running shoes which i will collect on Monday, had no idea either of all the different foot types/running styles so took advice from another thread (possibly your post again) and went and got fitted at a proper running shop. Previously i have been running for the past 18months in the same pair of trainers, that are for neutral runners. They are obvously worn out, and I am it seems a over pronator! who knew! so am looking forward to getting shoes which should hopefully help a great deal.

Once i have these I will start the training early.

Thanks for all your advice

Regards

Rich

I also read the Hal Higdon website and was really impressed with his training schedules. I have decided that I will follow Novice 1 and have started today....

Need to get a windproof/waterproof running jacket though, winter is on it's way and it has been chucking down with rain all day today :(

I've decided to follow the Hal Higdon's Novice Supreme, starting today from week 3 of the 30 week plan, we have 27 weeks and 6 days until the marathon I believe, so hope I'm not cutting this too fine. For the past two weeks I've been following the marathons one but looking around no one seems to rate it whereas everyone seems to rate HH, so I'm taking no chances!

I brought some outdoor running gear yesterday and have enquired about some running groups, not too keen on running alone whilst it's dark.

Juggling my time is already posing to be a problem so some changes need to be made, this is my biggest concern at present but I am determined.

Good luck with your training Tracey. Rain is coming down hard and fast here too!

I got a ballot place for 2013 as well - first attempt!

i have run a little bit in the last 18mnths - few miles here, few miles ther - but nothing major! Slightly scary but i've already hit the road. Did 3 miles today in 38mins - so actually quite chuffed with myself. After reading these threads i've looked up HH - deffo will follow his plans. I've also bought some appropriate cold weather running gear! I am SO excited. Nice to do something for me after years of being a wife and mother. Training will take some juggling as my husband works away so i'm in charge of all things kids and house - oh yeah - i teach 3 days a week as well. 

Will keep everybody informed about training progress!