if you start from scratch, being totally unfit and no stamina, how many months/years would it take to train?

Question

for a marathon? or even a half marathon?

Answer 1

Starting from 0, it would be best to have a short term goal of a 5K, then 10K, then half marathon, and finally marathon. A good beginner plan for a 5K is the Couch to 5K program http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml That's a 9 week program.

The same site has a 10K plan (building on the base of 15 to 20 miles per week), so pre-training another 4 - 5 weeks, and then that is a 12 week program.

After doing the 10K program, you could comfortably start the beginner half marathon program which is 12 weeks, too.

So to do it comfortably, 9 months would be good to train for a half marathon. From there, it would be good to take a little recovery time before jumping into a marathon training program. The Cool Running beginner marathon training plan is 20 weeks.

I've heard the recommendation from various places that it's best to be running for at least 1 year before attempting a full marathon. Some books that would be good reading are The Courage to Start and Marathoning for Mortals both by John Bingham.

See source for training plans mentionned above.

Answer 2

It depends on the individual but for anyone to train for a marathon (even someone who is used to running) takes a long time.
There are lots of programs online that will tell you how to build up your distance and speed week by week. Try this one:

http://running.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/startrunning.htm

Good luck!

Answer 3

Depends how old you are but if your under 35 only about 3 months I would think thats how long it took me.

Answer 4

They call 'em snickerses these days.

Answer 5

depends on how determined you are