Wondering about a marathon....

[Hillrunner2201]

So I've done a hm (2 hrs 4 mins) and 10k race now (52 mins). I've absolutely loved them and want to do more races. I've signed for a couple more 10ks, and another hm but the challenge of marathon is calling! Does anyone have any advice on how much extra training is needed compared to hm training? I regularly run 20-30 miles a week and have done 40 but am not sure if I would time for more than that!!

[old_git Marathon]

Hi Hillrunner, just about to do my first marathon (week and a bit away). I followed a web based training plan (of which there are many) and typically doing about 20 miles at the start, building up to about 35 at the most.

I'm not sure how well this is going to prepare me, but everyone says believe in the plan!

Regarding time commitment, mid week runs remain much the same. Its the long runs once a week where I've noticed the difference. The usual 1hr 40 minute runs I used to do on a Sunday, steadily built up to over 3 hours. This can be difficult, especially if you run on your own.

However Iam retired so do not have work pressures or a young family to work around.

Will let you know if my training was sufficient a week on Sunday 😀.

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to old_git]

That's interesting. I would have time to build up my weekend long run more so that's definitely doable. I've been running before work during the week so it's difficult to extend those. Good luck for Sunday 😀

[Eatcakeandrun Marathon]

I found training for a marathon quite a bit more time consuming than for a half. It is doable, but try to avoid any other major commitments especially from around 4-6 weeks before. Maybe because I am a bit older (!) I found that I needed a lot more rest/sleep - my social life was restricted due to the necessity for sleep and early nights! Also I found that the longer the runs got the earlier I had to get up - in order to eat properly and then have time for digestion before going out running - for 3 hours plus!

But - it was an amazing experience, so don't let me put you off!

[misswobble Marathon]

My mate allows four months to train for a marathon. Have a look at a properly structured plan to give you a clear, concise picture of what the training will entail then see if you can slot it all in. I get my detailed plans from myasics, which are free. Interactive too so you input your run results and they feedback with any tweaks

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I really like this article: trailrunnermag.com/training...

It's a good guage.. You can get away with less mileage but it depends on your target time...? Your current times are superb so you have a fantastic start

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

That's an interesting read. Im sure I can improve on my 10k and hm times but my goal for a marathon would be just to finish😂 I did a very hilly 13 miles this morning and which felt good though..i will keep plugging away to increase the distance and see how it goes😀

[Jaxsy_runs Half Marathon]

I'm looking at this info too so it's great to see replies.

I've recently booked for my first marathon 5 months away, looking at plans and things and looking for local races like a 20 mile one 4 weeks from marathon day as my final long run.

Great times and miles Hillrunner2201

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

Best of luck for the marathon! The 20 mile race is a great plan.

[ActonHighStreet]

Hi Hillrunner2201 - Since I graduated c25k last March I've done the marathon twice - 4.32 last August and 3.51 in London and I almost never go over 40 miles in a week, so it's perfectly doable - the most important thing is getting up to a comfortable long run of 18-20 miles and making sure you do the correct stretches, squats &c on non-running days to avoid injury.