Go back to Feb. '06 in my log. My 1st marathon was in Oct. of '06. I needed a HRM, but I got it done in the time frame you are trying. That will show you one way to get the job done. Personally, I don't like Galloway or Hal Higdon plans as they do too much too soon. Elites sometimes forget what it's like to be a nonrunner. Try Lyndaird or Pfitzinger, but without any of the time/pace recommendations. Just stay easy for the first marathon. You will do another one, they are addictive.

Go back to Feb. '06 in my log. My 1st marathon was in Oct. of '06. I needed a HRM, but I got it done in the time frame you are trying. That will show you one way to get the job done. Personally, I don't like Galloway or Hal Higdon plans as they do too much too soon. Elites sometimes forget what it's like to be a nonrunner. Try Lyndaird or Pfitzinger, but without any of the time/pace recommendations. Just stay easy for the first marathon. You will do another one, they are addictive.

Willamona, I was always under the impression that the Lyndaird and Pfitzinger were high mileage plans better suited for more experienced runners. I haven't trained for a marathon yet, but I will be soon. Just want to see if I'm missing something. If you don't mind explaining a bit more, that would be great. (Haven't checked out your log yet but I will.) Good luck this weekend on your race!

I agree with Tom on the training part. Set aside the marathon plans for this year and concentrate on building up a good base with a lot of long slow distance to work on your aerobic system. After that, then you could consider a marathon.

Pfitzinger has plans for <40,>60 miles per week. See Road Racing of for Serious Runners . This is a pretty basic and small book that covers training from 5K races up to Marathon distance. IMHO, it's better than Galloway (from what I remember).</40,>

Thank you, Marcus! That clears things up for me.