"The Non-runner's Marathon Trainer"

[Stefunny]

So, I bought this book about 5 years ago and it has been collecting dust. I've decided to commit to the program if anyone would like to join me. It basically takes you from walking to running a marathon over a 6 month period (28 weeks). Here's the first weeks before the full blown running program:

week 1. Moderate walking pace (17-20 min/mile) for 30 min 3 days
week 2. Moderate walking pace (17-20 min/mile) for 30 min 4 days
week 3. Fast walking pace (13-16 min/mile) for 30 min 3 days
week 4. Fast walking pace (13-16 min/mile) for 45 min 4 days
week 5. Jog 5 min walk 5 min repeat 2 times for 30 min 3 days
week 6. Jog 10 min walk 5 min repeat once for 30 min 3 days
week 7. Jog 15 min walk 5 min repeat once for 40 min 4 days
week 8. Jog 20 min walk 5 min repeat once for 50 min 4 days
week 9. Jog 25 min walk 5 min for 30 min 4 days
week 10. Jog for 30 minutes! 4 days
week 11. Jog for 30 minutes 4 days

I'm on the second week second day, but I'd be willing to start over for anyone that will commit with me and post their progress on this thread. I will post the weekly program on Sundays and the week starts on Monday.

[Jachut]

It sounds like a good beginner programme, a great way to get you running.

But can I say there's no WAY you should (or couyld) be running a marathon six months after you start running. They say at least 12 months to do your first half and 3 years to do a marathon. Your body needs to be totally conditioned and it takes a long long time for your body to adapt on a muscular and cellular level to running that kind of distance. Its taken me 9 months to build up to doing my first 7.5k race next week, you should add no more than 10% distance to your long run every week to avoid injury.

No doubt you just want to get running and that's fantastic. But if it is your goal to do a marathon, seek out a running club and some professional coaching, it works miracles in getting your distances and speed up.

[kelliebelly]

You know Ive always wanted to be able to jog. I have walked kms but I just cant jog. The moment I start jogging I am pooped in seconds.
Ill start the walking bit though, I hate walking too :)

[Vegaswildflower]

I only run when the police are chasing me... I could elipical my way to a marathon???

[Stefunny]

I absolutely understand your concern Jachut, but if I started at 3 miles (which I am comfortable with now) and added 10% to my mileage every week , by the 26 week I would be at 29.88 miles per day. I definitely don't plan on doing that! I will take it slow and listen to my body, but I need a goal to shoot for and a marathon is what I chose. I will probably shoot for a year instead of 6 months and do the Portland Marathon in October of 2007. I think it's a realistic goal. If no one minds I'd like to post my progress here for accountability.

Kellibelly: I've always been jealous of people that can run! And you are a beautiful bride!

Vegaswildflower: I wouldn't even run if I was being chased... I'd just surrender! That's why I've chosen this goal. I want to be stronger and able to keep up with my kids.

["Just" Paul]

Steph...

I say, go for it!

Last year I said I wanted to be at my final goal weight before I hit the one year mark. At 371 lbs everyone said it couldn't be done, and still be healthy.

2 months and 20 lbs to go.

Bah on the disbelievers!:nod: :nod: :nod:

Go for it!

[Stefunny]

Thanks for the encouragement Paul. Your goal is so within reach Congrats! I plan on making my weight goal at the one year mark also.

[oneflew]

Hey Stephanie! How is your goal coming? I'm running at 4 m a time about 3 x a week. I'd like to progress with you.
Keep up the good work!

[Jachut]

I was wondering too! Hope its coming along well.

[503-250]

I only run when the police are chasing me... I could elipical my way to a marathon???


See...its comments like this that remind me why I am going to divorce my wife and marry a few of the bandsters.

My whole life I have explained to people that I don't run unless someone is chasing me, and even then they better be really f*&^n big or have a gun because I don't mind a good fight.