Inspired

[tempz]

Hi ,I'm temps, 33 and do no exercise and I'm really starting to feel it. After watching the marathon this year and hearing everyones stories I decided that now is the time for me to take control of my life and stop being so fat and lazy.... so I signed up to the London marathon!! I know, crazy hey? But I feel determined and that's something I don't usually feel for anything, so I'm going to do it. My journey started today with the first run on couch to 5k and it hurt a bit, But it feels good now and has spurred me on to go out again Thursday for run number 2. I want to feel that pride of crossing the finish line and living a healthier life that I have avoided for so long. Plus im getting married next year and would like to look healthy and fit in the photos.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck with the ballot.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Good for you! What a great goal to aim for.

[tempz in reply to Hidden]

No doubt it's going to be the hardest year of my life but I'm going to do it. Thanks for your support 👍

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Congratulations on starting the program. Running the marathon is a fabulous aim and you have come to the right place to set you in good stead.

Make sure you read the pinned post for newbies it's full of really useful stuff.

Post often, I find it helps to keep me focused. The forumites are lovely supportive folk who are willing to share their experiences or offer advice if needed.

Have fun

[tempz in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thanks! Im really excited and keen to do it and this seems the perfect place to be. Il be sure to read plenty and post as often as I can. 🙏

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

That is a great ambition tempz, signed up for the London Marathon 2020 I hope you will be successful with the ballot. If everything goes to plan after reading all the good advice about 5K to marathon training, you will complete C25K around the early part of July, sign up for a few parkruns. Next continue with B210K, run one of the many 10k Autumn events there are or even a half marathon, too late now for the ballot of The Great North Run, although me being Scottish there might still be a place for running in the Great Scottish Run, that is also a half marathon.

During the winter IF you have been successful in the ballot for London you will be in training for it, good luck. 👍 🏃

[tempz in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks for the advice. I plan on doing a few races as soon as I feel I'm at the level. Really hope im successful im the ballot. Think it's about 1/10 chance so slim but got to think positive. 👌

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to tempz]

I read that there are around 347,000 entries paying £39 entry fee, 40,000 running, even if you don't run, you won't get your money refunded, its a 1/25 chance to be successful.

[tempz in reply to AlMorr]

Wow that many. That's not great odds but will just have to hope. Dont you pay your entry fee of you're selected?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to tempz]

No I was reading about that, if you apply for a place in the ballot, you have to pay a entry fee which in the London Marathon for most people is £39, If you are successful it's not any more but if you are unsuccessful then, too bad, you won't see that money again, yes, I know what you are thinking,.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Two great motivating factors there ! You can do this - we’re all on your side here 😀

[tempz in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you. Needed to get motivated and this feels like the time. Got to stick to the game plan 🙏

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to tempz]

You’ll do it. Enjoy the journey x

[tempz in reply to ButtercupKid]

😉

[Janey72]

Wow, just turned 47 and felt like I was reading my own reasoning. Entered marathon ballot. C25k the first step. Aim to get a time of 40 mins over the next 9 weeks.

I intend to dip into all the tips that have been left in response to your post!!!

Good luck with your journey.

[tempz in reply to Janey72]

That's great. Plenty of helpful people with helpful tips so in sure will make our journeys easier. Good luck to you 💪👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Janey72]

Am I correct in saying that you have to pay £39 for entering the marathon ballot, even if you are uncuccessful you won't get a refund.

[tempz in reply to AlMorr]

I have a confirmation of entry to the ballot but didn't pay anything so I'm now unsure what the deal is 🤔

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to tempz]

That is great news tempz, however, it may only be a confirmation, I am not sure when you have to pay that £39, perhaps someone will know exactly what the deal is,

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome... and brave way to motivate yourself. Good luck in the ballot. 12 months is enough time, so follow the guide, don’t push too fast too soon, or indeed too far too soon, allow your body to develop with some good slow running and enjoy your journey to that 26.2 start line... if you don’t get a place in the ballot, Manchester and Brighton are around the same time and nice flat marathons.

[tempz in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I thought I'd set my sights high lol. Yea the ballot is going to be a nervous wait. Yea I think with a consistent and dedicated 12 months il get there. Thanks I shall go at a steadily pace and not over cook it. Have a friend who regularly does Brighton so that will definitely be the back up option. 👌

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to tempz]

A couple of years ago Brighton was a week before London, seems it’s 2 now, and my friend was crazy enough to do both 😂.

[tempz in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Really? That's serious fitness to do both.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to tempz]

Or serious stupidity... the jury is out. His next challenge is in the Channel Islands.. 36 mile ultra which he describes as 16 miles of hills flowed by an easy 20 mile run. Anyone describing any 20 miles as “easy” probably belongs in an institution.

[tempz in reply to UnfitNoMore]

🤣 yea that's a mad prospect to attempt that. Hills then the 'easy 20 miles'

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I’m in the ballot too 👍🏽 good luck! You can definitely do it!

[tempz in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks! Good luck to you too 😁🤞

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to tempz]

Unfortunately hardly anyone gets in through the ballot ☹️

[tempz in reply to Tasha99]

Yea that's a shame. How else do people get in? I take it some qualify through other races?

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to tempz]

Most get a sponsored place through charities. You have to raise £2000 ish upwards though. If my friend gets in and I don’t, I may have to consider it ☹️

virginmoneylondonmarathon.c...

[tempz in reply to Tasha99]

Oh right il have a read up and see how that works. Will have to get on the socials and get everyone to donate to get me in. I think most would pay just to see me in a mess about half way round so it's always an option 😁

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to tempz]

Ha ha! Enjoy 👍🏽

[tempz in reply to Tasha99]

Just entered! Thanks for the heads up. That's 2 chances of an entry now 🤞

[Scarlet48]

Well done, look forward to following your journey! I'm aiming to build to a marathon, not sure if London or Brighton yet. Been slowed down by illness recently so fingers crossed.

[tempz in reply to Scarlet48]

Thanks. We will get there eventually. Hope you're feeling better now and good luck with tour training 👍

[Cors1984]

Good for you!!! I am so impressed and in awe of anyone who can complete a marathon! It's always good to have something to aim for and why not aim high!! Best of luck!!!