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Started By
Message
Couch to Marathon- Need advise
Posted on 10/28/22 at 5:09 pm
Posted on 10/28/22 at 5:09 pm
Runners, how doable is starting Hal Higdon 18 week beginner program with little base?
For background, I used to run 5ks and have done 6 or so half marathons but never really was motivated to do a full. Best half time was 1:43. I got burned out on running about 3 years ago and haven’t done much since.
I’m 40 now, 6’ about 190 (when I was running I was about 180). I lift weights and do some intermittent HIIT.
My brother challenged me to do a marathon (19 weeks away) and if I decide to do it, I’ll be all in, but don’t want to ramp up so fast I end up hurt, or waste the time if it’s just a bad idea in this time frame.
Thoughts?
For background, I used to run 5ks and have done 6 or so half marathons but never really was motivated to do a full. Best half time was 1:43. I got burned out on running about 3 years ago and haven’t done much since.
I’m 40 now, 6’ about 190 (when I was running I was about 180). I lift weights and do some intermittent HIIT.
My brother challenged me to do a marathon (19 weeks away) and if I decide to do it, I’ll be all in, but don’t want to ramp up so fast I end up hurt, or waste the time if it’s just a bad idea in this time frame.
Thoughts?
11
Posted on 10/28/22 at 7:07 pm to RocktownHog52
quote:
19 weeks away
Oof
Posted on 10/28/22 at 10:11 pm to gizmoflak
quote:
Oof
Don't do it.
Posted on 10/29/22 at 6:38 am to Zappas Stache
I don't think it is a good idea. For me, the marathon is a much different animal than a half.
To start the Higdon program, you should be able to run 10 miles.
To start the Higdon program, you should be able to run 10 miles.
Posted on 10/29/22 at 6:50 am to RocktownHog52
I think it’s doable, I had a similar experience with 18wks and completed my first in a respectable time. The weight training and hiit will help too.
Do you have a specific time in mind?
Do you have a specific time in mind?
Posted on 10/29/22 at 7:46 am to RocktownHog52
Philippides did it without formal training, but he died at the end of his journey. So, I say go for it.
Posted on 10/29/22 at 8:37 am to The Implication
I wouldn’t try to push for time. Probably 5 hours. I ran 5 miles 2 of the last 3 days just to see how I feel and it was around 11 minute mile
Posted on 10/29/22 at 8:47 am to RocktownHog52
Don’t do it bruh
Posted on 10/29/22 at 9:04 am to RocktownHog52
What would David Goggins do?
Posted on 10/31/22 at 7:21 pm to RocktownHog52
If you can run 4-5 miles currently, it is doable. Just increase your long run by 1 mile per week up until 20 miles, then start 3 week taper. Galloway run/walk makes it even easier.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 9:28 am to TKLSUMD
If you don't have an unrealistic time goal there is no reason you can't finish a marathon with 18 weeks of prep. Jog / walk combo simply averaging 12-13 min mile gets you to the finish line in 5.5 hours. Are you going to be sore after , YES, but who cares.
from those that said no don't do it, i'm interested to hear your marathon training and racing experiences.
from those that said no don't do it, i'm interested to hear your marathon training and racing experiences.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 9:46 am to ks_nola
I'm with you on this one. I've seen videos of people losing fantasy leagues and having to do a marathon on no training. It's not going to be fun, but with 18 weeks of training and an already decent athletic base, OP will be fine. It's not going to be fun but it's entirely possible.
As far as training, I wouldn't just jump into a plan. Start building mileage as if you're building a base for a plan. You're not trying to PR, you're trying to finish.
As far as training, I wouldn't just jump into a plan. Start building mileage as if you're building a base for a plan. You're not trying to PR, you're trying to finish.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 11:41 am to RocktownHog52
From no running to 26 miles would be a hell of a challenge. If you do decide to do it, film it and slap that baby on YouTube with monetization. People would check in on that progress for sure. Especially if you do the full marathon.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 12:54 pm to RocktownHog52
It's doable and that's specifically what his beginner plan is for. I would suggest not aiming for a specific time and just to cross the finish line uninjured. A lot of people still do a run/walk method and get through without issues. You can do it. Good luck.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 1:00 pm to RocktownHog52
My man! Let us know how this goes. I thought the Couch to 5K was brutal. This ought to be amazing.
Posted on 11/1/22 at 1:30 pm to RocktownHog52
I was in my mid-thirties when I tried something similar. I followed the program in a book called Four Months to a Four-Hour Marathon. I had been running 3 miles, 3-4 times a week when I started training. The program consisted of shorter faster runs during the week and longer slower runs on the weekend. When I got up to around 15-mile runs, my knees started hurting. I pushed through the pain only to end up injured with not enough time to recover before the race.
This post was edited on 11/1/22 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 11/1/22 at 3:31 pm to RocktownHog52
I don't get the idea of running a marathon. It makes no sense to me.
Posted on 11/5/22 at 10:00 am to Tiger Ryno
Thanks for sharing.
Different animal but OP I went from not being able to run a mile to my first half Ironman years ago in the same amount of time- a marathon is certainly doable. Do it.
Different animal but OP I went from not being able to run a mile to my first half Ironman years ago in the same amount of time- a marathon is certainly doable. Do it.
Posted on 11/5/22 at 12:55 pm to RocktownHog52
quote:
I wouldn’t try to push for time. Probably 5 hours. I ran 5 miles 2 of the last 3 days just to see how I feel and it was around 11 minute mile
This is the right attitude. You can't run a marathon for time on 18 weeks training, but you can run one. Hopefully, it is a flat race.
Posted on 11/5/22 at 3:11 pm to TAMU-93
quote:
When I got up to around 15-mile runs, my knees started hurting. I pushed through the pain only to end up injured with not enough time to recover before the race.
I'm facing this conundrum. I really want to run this race. Wouldn't be for time , just to finish and without any walking. My right knee is acting up. It feels like a rubber band at times on the inside of the kneecap (adjacent to inner leg) and heavy behind the kneecap. I don't know if it's just inflammation/tendonitis or something more worrisome. I've been doing a bunch of knees over toes programming too to try and keep my knees healthy, so yea..what to do.
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