How long did it take you? (Read 1411 times)

For me it was 10 months and 60 lbs. But I could have completed one after about 6 months. No speed work. One 5k. No real hills either. First one out was 3:10 (Chicago 1996). I was 25 at the time by way of comparison and even with all that extra weight I was able to run 2 miles twice a day from the start of training. This was probably because of the running I did in the military. If you have never ran prior to now then it could take you longer. Maybe someone else with no running background that did what you're wanting to do can chime in.

2001: started running 2006: first (and only) marathon But...a marathon was not my goal when I started running. Also, I never ran very consistently (at least 3 days per week) until around 2004-2005.

For me it was about 10 months as well. I started running in March when I signed up for a 5K with a friend and didnt train for it at all - never hurt so much in all my life after that. I started doing triathlons that summer and came across a brochure for the "Train to End Stroke" where you train for a marathon (I did Disney) and raise money for the Stroke Association and they fly you down there to run. So I started training - by Disney I was addicted.

Thirteen years. But when I started running (30 years ago when I was 17), very few people ran marathons--or even half marathons. The focus was all on 10ks and 5ks. Still, it's best not to rush into the marathon distance. You're right to think of building up to it in terms of races. Take a couple years at least.

Still, it's best not to rush into the marathon distance. You're right to think of building up to it in terms of races. Take a couple years at least.

Yep. I will have been running about 2.5 years when I attempt my first. I had people look at my mileage from last year and ask why I didn't try one in '07. My highest mileage week last year was only about 35 miles. No way would I have plodded my way through a full on that meager training. As it is I think my goal of peaking at 50 miles/week prior to my first marathon seems a little on the light side. I think I'd feel much better prepared to do it with at least 60/week under my belt. Most training plans advise a solid 30 mile/week base for at least 6 months before even starting a training plan, which will usually take 4-5 months. So I'd think a person would need to be running for at least 1.5-2 years to run a marathon well and with minimal risk of injury. Look at my training log, if you'd like. I have never sustained any substantial injury...just relatively minor ones here and there from shoes that weren't well suited for me or dumbass training. I've also been VERY careful with my mileage increases. The faster one increases their mileage the greater they risk injury. I may not run fast or super high miles, but I do run within my abilities and with the intent to keep running, keep able to increase my miles over the long-term, and keep my pudgy ass off the bench.

I started training for my first marathon about 3 1/2 years after I started running. I was like you, I always knew I wanted to do one but I knew I wasn't ready. Then something clicked one day and I decided that I was ready to take on the challenge. You'll probably get 100 people with 100 different answers. You have to go by when YOU know you are ready. How will you know? You just will.

About 30 years. How's that for base-building?