Can I go from fat and out of shape to running a marathon in 7 months? (Read 490 times)

I am just seeing this thread, but the thread title is exactly what I did.  I didn't go "couch to marathon" though.  I was active but let myself get fat (thank you, beer and lousy diet).

Feb 2011:  5'11", 202 pounds.  Non-runner, but a cyclist and frequent weight lifter.  When the scale tipped 200, I stopped drinking, got my diet in check, and started running to help lose weight.

Oct 2011:  150 pounds.  I ran the Hartford Marathon in 4:16.  I was terribly undertrained and the last 10 miles were brutal.  All things considered though, not a bad showing for someone too stupid to know any better.