first marathon

So I am pretty much a "beginner" runner, for the past few months I have worked my way up to jogging a little over 4 miles in 45 minutes, and I do that 3 times a week (on a treadmill) and the elliptical one or two times a week.  Well last night my aunt and friend told me they are doing a half marathon (13 mi) in October, and I immediately said I would too!  I have been loving running and have always wanted to accomplish something like that.

But the little voice inside me says I'm still a beginner, and I get flashbacks to grade school mile runs that I could only walk.  I do have 4 months to train, is that enough?  I also like the treadmill way more than running outside.  But I bet running outside would be better training.  :(  I am freakin out already and I just decided to do this last night!

Any suggestions?  Am I setting too high of a goal for myself?  What does anyone else do to marathon train?  Thanks! 

Four months should be enough time to train for a half marathon.  I would suguest you slowly increase your miles per week, don't go up by more than 5 miles per week at a time.  I would concentrate on trying to get mileage up before speed.  It would be wise to enter a few shorter races if possible before the half marathon so you get the feel for a race.  The 5K is a good beginer race, so I would try and enter one of those and then train for a while longer and go up to a 10K.  It would also be advisable to run the entire 13.1 miles at least once beofre your race day, so you know what it feels like.  It also is wise to not run for one or two days before race day.  I would say you need to be running 30 miles a week for a few weeks before the half to be in shape for it.

4 months is totally enough time - especially since you're already able to run 4 miles.


I'm thinking of doing a 1/2 marathon in the fall....I was using this training program by Hal Higdon. It's a 3 month program.


I'm able to run 9 miles right now....I haven't signed up for anything official yet, but even if I don't, I'd love to be able to run the 1/2 marathon distance, just to tell myself that it's possible. I was a total beginner back in August - I could jog for about 5 minutes and then had to stop....the program works, you just have to stick with it.  The most important thing is to do the long runs diligently (even if you have to walk and run to get the distance completed).

I ran a marathon as a beginner. The Hal Haligan training guide is great. Also go pick upi John Binghams books...either the Courgage to Start and or NO Need for Speed. BOth are great motivators and informational books for new runners. I have read both many times. I would suggest trying to run out side if you can. SInce that is wher your race is. And running on the treadmill is different than being outside. Maybe you could split your time between the 2. You also don't want to increase your mileage more than 10% week. 4 months is Pleanty of time to train for a 1/2. Make sure you have good shoes....hydrate, and take in enough sodium if you are running in warm temps. You might want to experiment with what gu's or gels work for you. When Training in the summer it is important to watch out ofr hypernatremia (loosing too much sodium). The physical training ofyour legs and muscles is only 1/2 of marathon / 1/2 marathon training. You have to figure out what works for you in the race.

Congratulations for signing up for the 1/2. It is a great accompishment, and still my favorite distance. You are going to do great!!!!