Couch to 5k to Marathon?

[Pickettemma]

Am I mad? Basically, I've decided I want to run a marathon. I'd like to do it know whilst I'm still young and have a reasonable amount of time to train.. I have a year to do it (planning Brighton Marathon 2019?). Any one have any experiences of going from couch to 5k to marathon? Any top tips are always appreciated! I have so much to learn!

[Nictwit Graduate]

Probably but we like them a bit crazy round here! Are you starting from the couch or are you already running?

[Pickettemma in reply to Nictwit]

I have attempted a few 5ks (with a view of doing park run) running for 4.30 and walking for 30 seconds, managed 5k in roughly 36 mins. But that is the most I've ever done, so basically from the couch!

[Rignold]

You would be better advised aiming for Brighton 2020 to be honest. It is physically possible to get from Couch to marathon in 12 months but it is really hard work and mentally very demanding. You would be pushing the envelope of your training all the time for 12 months, which would not leave any margin for error or injury (and your potential for injury constantly pushing that hard would be higher). I would not advise it, and I am usually pretty gungho when it comes to high volume training challenges. I would suggest aiming for a half marathon in your first year and then spending the following year building to the full thing.

[Pickettemma in reply to Rignold]

ah okay! there were loads of online programmes for getting to a marathon in 6 months so I thought a year at my current level was doable! I will look into some half marathons and try and stay motivated instead

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

No matter how far you plan to run it is always just a journey of small steps. Sure that sounds pretty Zen, but what I intend to convey is that you only need focus on achieving the next step effectively. C25k, bridgeTo10k, whateverPlanUChooseToHM etc etc. It doesn't matter if a Marathon is achievable in a year, just aim to keep completing the steps ahead and review after each. If you find yourself 8mths from now running 30k of an evening, then maybe a Marathon is a doable

[Pickettemma in reply to pinkaardvark]

I like that idea actually! See how it goes

[pinkaardvark Graduate in reply to Pickettemma]

Benefit of that approach is you don't view it as one big journey, each bit you get to complete and celebrate appropriately without the pressure of the next step. I can tell you that the pressure you put on yourself can be as self limiting as your physical ability.

[Tbae]

Just interesting and great advice from Rignold.

Best wishes to you.

Love your enthusiasm.🌟👏👏

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Im of the opinion you should start the journey.

Begin the training, one step at a time. Build steady, do additional core/strength training etc.

Always listen to your body. Get plenty of good advice.

See how it goes 😀

The only other thing is to enjoy!

[tony_a Graduate]

Look into Jeffing too (Jeff Galloway run / walk method) perhaps. If you’re determined to do it and realise running the whole thing isn’t going to work out it might be a strategy. I know someone planning to do the London marathon that way. You still need to build the distances though and train 😀

[Pickettemma]

i'll be honest.. i wasn't expecting to be able to run the entire thing haha, so this method appeals to me

[Amandana]

Wow! That is ambitious, your positive energy is amazing!!

I’m interested to hear updates on how your journey progresses!!

[Pickettemma in reply to Amandana]

I will do my best to stay motivated and keep you all updated!! I've started a running blog, I'll pop the link up when it's all sorted

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Go on the bridge to 10k forum and ask ju-ju-. She’s done that. She’s an admin.

[Pickettemma in reply to Tasha99]

Oooh thank you!