Am I Insane or Not? (Read 934 times)

In January 2008 I stepped on the scale at a whopping 254 lbs and it scared the heck out of me, I don't want to end up a diabetic like my father. I am 47 years old BTW. I know there are more factors than just weight but I know a healthy life style is a factor. So...... I started out walking, a bunch, and watched my caloric intake carefully. By the end of May I was down to about 210 and I am now 207 lbs. I was able to start running a little in July but I really started running more in September. At this point I usually get in about 25 miles per week including my long run of 10 miles on the weekend. I am training to run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at the end of April but I can't decide if I should just run the 1/2 or if I might be able to run the full marathon (that is where the insane question comes in). At the end of ten miles I cam pretty beat but feel like running more within a hour or so (but I don't so I don't injure myself). Is it possible to run the full marathon or should I stop kidding myself and just stick to the half marathon. I feel like I could go out and run a half tomorrow but the ful seems like such a stretch goal, especially since I am still at about 207 lbs (6'1"). I know if I would stop eating junk again like I did when I lost the first 47lb I would easily lose 15-20 lbs but I am comfortable at my current weight. Should I only run the full if I make myself lose the additional weight? I think I know the answer but wanted to hear it from you guys too. Thanks Sam

I guess I should have explained that the full is something that I just WANT to do but I don't want to do something I shouldn't. You are right about why I started in the first place, I am just thinking of pushing myself. It is not about running the marathon for health reasons, although the training definitely does take care of that. I would like to be able to feel proud that I finish a marathon in April and hike to the peak of a CO mountain (13,450 ft) in July. I made it to 13,000+ last July and I can run ten miles. It is a pride thing. Thanks again, Sam

For this year I would stick to the half and see how that goes. Then leave the marathon as another goal once you conquer the half. I am not saying your not capable of running the full one in april. It just would be unpleasent. Running a full takes a lot out of you and can put enough stress on your body that if your not prepared you can be sidelined from running for months due to injury. This is regardless of how much weight you loose. I would run the half and then maybe try to work your way up to being able to run a full one perhaps in the fall.

I'm kind of the same story as you, been running/weight lose since April 2008. I'm running the same mileage as you and am training for my first half marathon. I'm still 15# too much, and with my current weekly mileage and after just finishing my first 12 miler last Saturday, i couldn't imagine running a full marathon right now and be happy with my effort or more importantly hurt myself or totally fail at it. I'm excited that this week I will be running the HM distance (not a race) and I know I can do it under two hrs easily. The general advice I've read here on RA is to be patient, and set a goal of not running a full marathon until at least the 2nd full year of running. For me personally- I feel that is sound advise.

First, Sam, congratulations on your weight loss. I have also lost a bunch this year. I am 5'2" and a year ago weighed 204 pounds. I am down to 130 with 10 more to go. I started running off and on a few years ago, but got really serious about it six months ago and since having surgery on my feet to get rid of neuromas, I am working to build mileage. I also want to run a marathon, but my plan is to build up to it. I have a 10K scheduled in a couple of weeks and I am registered to run a half in May. My DH and I are also going to run the DisneyWorld Half in 2010 (just because it sounds like fun). Sometime after I have run a couple of halfs, I will decide which marathon to go for. Personally, I don't think you are insane... if you are, then we all are. But, for me, I want to take it a step at a time. There was a point when a 5K was a HUGE effort. Now, I can eat them for lunch. And for someone who was never an athlete and can't hit the backside of a barndoor with a baseball bat, being able to run is big. So, bottom line IMHO -- try a half or two and see how you feel. Follow a good safe program, talk with your local runnning store people and go for a marathon if you want. Keep us posted and good luck.

First, Sam, congratulations on your weight loss. I have also lost a bunch this year. I am 5'2" and a year ago weighed 204 pounds. I am down to 130 with 10 more to go.

That is AWESOME! Keep up the great work. Sam

PerfesserR posted the world will end in 2012 so there's plenty of time to run your first full. I think the advice to run a half for now is very sound. To answer your original question, if you've chosen to be a runner you're probably at least a little insane but you're in good company. Nothing wrong with a little insanity. Training for a marathon will help you lose more weight Sam, and losing more weight will help you finish a marathon. It's a punishing run, the less you have to carry over the course the better. You've done a GREAT job with the weight loss so far, stories like yours just NEVER get old. Keep up the great work, and keep us posted. Best of luck!

In January 2008 I stepped on the scale at a whopping 254 lbs and it scared the heck out of me, I don't want to end up a diabetic like my father. I am 47 years old BTW. I know there are more factors than just weight but I know a healthy life style is a factor. So...... I started out walking, a bunch, and watched my caloric intake carefully. By the end of May I was down to about 210 and I am now 207 lbs. I was able to start running a little in July but I really started running more in September. At this point I usually get in about 25 miles per week including my long run of 10 miles on the weekend. I am training to run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon at the end of April but I can't decide if I should just run the 1/2 or if I might be able to run the full marathon (that is where the insane question comes in). At the end of ten miles I cam pretty beat but feel like running more within a hour or so (but I don't so I don't injure myself). Is it possible to run the full marathon or should I stop kidding myself and just stick to the half marathon. I feel like I could go out and run a half tomorrow but the ful seems like such a stretch goal, especially since I am still at about 207 lbs (6'1"). I know if I would stop eating junk again like I did when I lost the first 47lb I would easily lose 15-20 lbs but I am comfortable at my current weight. Should I only run the full if I make myself lose the additional weight? I think I know the answer but wanted to hear it from you guys too. Thanks Sam

With newer runners like you my reply is usually along the lines of -- What is the hurry? Why the need to check the marathon box so quickly? You have so much to experience and gain by doing the shorter races, and so much misery to endure if you feel obligated to run a marathon now. Do the half. See how it feels. You may decide it's great and you are ready for a marathon. Or you may decide that it was a lot tougher than you thought and you don't want to do a marathon. I can promise that, as you keep running and losing weight, you'll enjoy a marathon later a LOT more than this one now.