Has anyone on here went onto run a full or half marathon ?

[bikergirl]

Just out of curiosity, have any of you went onto run a half or full marathon, I can't imagine being able to run 21km. We'll not anytime in the near future anyway.

But If so.... How did you get on ? Would you do it again.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Yes-- there are quite a few. Personally, I also cannot imagine it -- but then again there was a time when I also could not imagine running for 5 minutes non-stop

[lolb Graduate]

Many have and I'm sure you will get lots of responses. From my own point of view, I did the Great North Run (half marathon) last September, a little under a year from when I graduated. I am registered for another half marathon at the end of June and am doing the Great North Run again in September. So I guess that answers you question about "would you do it again?". My thoughts immediately afterwards were that I probably would do it again but that I had no inclination to do a full marathon. For me that view hasn't changed but there are a number on here who have done (or are training for) a full marathon so it's horses for courses really - it's about setting your own goals - whatever they are. All I would say is, if you are even slightly attracted by the idea, go for it. It's good to have a goal and don't be frightened by the distance - as long as you are prepared to put in the training and are sensible about how long it will take to get to that level - you CAN do it.

[bikergirl Graduate in reply to lolb]

I like your thinking, there is that slight attraction for me I must admit. But also complete and utter terror at the thought. But food for thought. Good on you for going for it. I have nothing but admiration for anyone that does it. It's one thing running 5k but a whole other ball park running a half/full marathon.

[Quibee]

Not yet but the application for 2015 has gone in - graduated C25K in 2012 with a few good 5k runs but could not manage a 5k run last year, determined this year to up my distances. Currently running 6k max distance - only another 34k to add to get to target!

[danzargo Graduate]

Juicyju did a HM. In fact I believe she may have done more than one?

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to danzargo]

Indeed Mr F I have!!!! Only because the lady loves milk tray

[Tinyrun Graduate]

Only in my dreams. Suzybenj did the London marathon recently. She's posted about it on here. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[bikergirl Graduate in reply to Tinyrun]

Cool, will have a read of that. It just amazes me when 'real' people can actually it.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Helloooo... Yes as mr Danzargo has said... I have!!! I graduated April last year and did a HM in October ...I carry on doing that length regularly as I'm training for a flipping marathon! Now... Suzybenj is the star... She did the London marathon and she is fab.. End of the day it's about personal gains!!!

[bikergirl Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Wow that pretty impressive just 8 months after graduating

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I read where an elite athlete who finishes Marathons in ridiculously short times - was interviewed. The interviewer was all "gushy" and said " You must find it tough completing the marathon in this short time?" "Oh no", he/she said. "The ones who do it the toughest are the ones that complete it in 6 hours. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY DO IT - I COULDN'T!!!!! "

[suzybenj Graduate]

I think the comments are very sensible - what do you want to gain and how do you want to be challenged?? Other posts have kindly mentioned my efforts. I started with c25k last year and felt very proud and pleased to compete it - it did wonders for my self esteem and confidence. As well as supporting my rather fragile mental health (nothing serious - just a bit maudlin). I have done HMs in the past and found them very tough. However last year I was challenged to the London Marathon as part of my 50th birthday celebrations. The training was exhilarating and defeating - but i was determined to do it - and do it I did. I would never of considered myself a marathoner - but I am pleased to be part of the (slow) marathon club. Having done it once I want to improve and do better - so i guess I am saying I will do another.

However, I am currently enjoying doing some much shorter runs (less time consuming, less tough on body and less mentally taxing)- I have a series of mini - goals this year - a faster 5k and 10k a quicker HM (booked for october 2014).

But whatever I do - I do it because I want to - if 5k three times a week is what I end up doing - so be it- I will be a very happy girl.

Happy running- whatever you decide

[bikergirl Graduate in reply to suzybenj]

Just read your post on the marathon as well. It was lovely to read. Well done by the way. The others are right you are very inspirational. Thanks to everyone for the replies too. It's not necessarily something I may aim for myself, although I never ever thought I would be a runner but turns out I am. So you never know. It's great to see what can be achieved though.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I worked my way up to the magic 21.1k just a couple of weeks ago. I found that for me it was all about confidence. Once I managed 10k I figured I could run for an hour, so why not longer? In then concentrated on planning a route that wouldn't be too challenging ( I just love planning routes) and then I went about running a series of longer runs until I'd covered the whole thing one way or another. On the day of the big run, I found it hard work, but not a mental strain since there were no surprises along the way.

I didn't break any records, but the objective was simply to run a half marathon without stopping, so it really didn't matter that it took me nearly 2.5 hours!

Great fun. (Can't believe I just said that....)

[swanscot Graduate]

I've run three half-marathons and have enjoyed both the training for these and the actual races themselves. However I'm currently undecided whether to enter more HMs over the summer as I had originally planned or simply focus on 20 - 25 km long, slow off-road runs 'for fun'. This is what I did last summer (I worked in the tourist industry and had to work weekends, so missed all the races). Instead of racing I went out on my midweek days off and enjoyed the practically empty forest trails - sometimes with hubby, if he had a day off too -and enjoyed long runs in the Caledonian Pinewoods, or around lochs or along hill tracks.