What's a realistic goal for finishing a first marathon? (Read 2128 times)

I think you'll do fine and that a 3:50 is a realistic goal. Higdon's got a good plan and you'll be able to build your endurace so you can finish the full 26.2 with no problem. My advice is to concentrate more on the pacing of your longer runs -- try and keep it nice and even during each half of your run. Once you go through the training and taper, come race day you'll be surprised how well you will do. Keep in mind that this is your first marathon and that any time you do will be a PR.

Here's another prediction calculator which I am a big fan of. http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/Running%20University/Article%201/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm Check it out.

The standard rule of thumb is to take your half marathon time, double it, and add 20 minutes or so. An 8:30 pace gets you about 1:50, which predicts a 4:00 marathon. The major difference between a half and a full marathon is that you run out of glycogen energy around mile 18-20, which causes you to bonk or hit the wall or whatever you want to call it. The bigger risk you face is that you are on a far too aggressive schedule and you may get injured. You will not break 3:50 or even 4:00 if you don't make it to the starting line healthy and inury free. There is no shame in finishing your first marathon if 5 hours or 6, as long as you finish it (okay, maybe some shame, but not much ). You should at most be on Higdon's Novice 2, and you should not run anything more than 21 miles as part of this training, and that not more than twice. I repeat, you should NOT run more than 21 miles and you should NOT run that more than twice. Your body takes time (months, years) to build up to all that accumulated impact. Go out, have fun, and be safe. Trent (5 marathons in '05, 6 in '06?, and just now on Higdon's Intermediate program)

And let us know how you do - meaning did you get to the start line? How was the experience? Did you finish injury free? Only then if you'd like, can you share your time....

The ROck n Roll Marathon in San Diego is June 4...13 more days!!!! I'm SOOOOOO nervous! This taper is killing me on one hand, but much anticpated on the other, LOL. I was feeling great on my first 20miler but my second one, at mile 9, I started having sharp pain in the front/ball of my foot between my two middle toes and in compensating, by mile 20, I had a huge blister. My first one in all my training. I've had the same pain a few times since...not sure what it is. I have replaced my old shoes with the same shoe...I get regular chiropractic adjustments... I dunno. the 26.2 don't scare me, it's the 20,000 people at the start line and the fear of impending blisters that scare me to no end! My last pre race 8 miler is this weekend, I'm going to try using some kind of lube on my toes and see if that helps...I hear that can help with blisters? I originally wanted to finish under 4hours, it looks like I could but I'm setting my sights for anywhere close. The race predicter has me in under 4, but that's neither here nor there I realize. At this point, even if I had to walk part of the last 6 miles, I still think I could finish under 4:30 which I would be ok with. Why I go on these mind trips, I don't know. I make myself crazy. I'll give a post race update for sure! Thanks for asking!

Good luck! And remember: nothing new on race day. nothing new on race day. nothing new on race day. nothing new on race day. Janell