How do I get back into running? Maybe a marathon?

Question

I am 36 weeks pregnant with #2. One pregnancy after another, so not only do I have weight from this one I have some from the first. I decided after I have the baby and get okay from my doctor that I am fine and dandy, that I am going to start running again. Most of my weight is in my hips, butt, and thighs. I haven't ran in about three or four years, for lack of motavation so I was thinking maybe I should do a marathon, so I have a goal set and can't just not run. So how long does it usually take to train? What is the smallest one? How do I find them in my area? Do they cost anything? And how do I start training, just a small amount then increase daily/weekly? How much time should I give myself, like how far away of a marathon should I choose?

Answer 1

First, congratulations on your decision to make strides in being a healthy mom. For me it helped me adjust, and thrive in my 'new' role as mother. One immediate question would be why a marathon to start? A marathon is absolutely doable for a newbie, but it is a time and physical commitment. It may also depend on your decision to breastfeed. My daughter did not respond well to my milk post aerobic exercise and I had to express one batch before she would nurse well following. I would also spend time specifically identifying your goals. As you speak about your physicality, is weight loss, muscle growth/strengthening or fat reduction your goal(s). Running can be great for all of the above - when done with insight and planning. It is very common to see marathoners with celluite based on how they are training (anaerobically vs. aerobically). Metabolic testing and heart rate monitoring can help you tailor your runs to produce the goals you want. Post-baby however, your metabolism takes time to adjust and does depend again on whether or not you are breastfeeding.

Assuming you decide to do a marathon (which all are 26.2 miles), as a newbie I would recommend at least a 30 week training program - 4 weeks to reintroduce your body to running and 26 weeks of graduated combined, speed and distance runs - increasing mileage of your long runs by 1 mile per week. I suggest either Jeff Galloway or Hal Higden training plans. You also need nutritional support for the training. You may also consider training with a group to help with motivation - trust me there will be days you don't feel like running and a group can 'carry' you. There are numerous large charitable groups that run marathon training programs that are well coached and peer mentored you could explore. Marathons do cost money - from $25 to $150 plus travel.

Hands down, invest in good shoes. Good shoes are entirely personalized to your body, your foot and your gait. Go to a reputable running store and be fit, following their assessment of your needs. There are three major classes of shoes: 1) neutral/cushioning if you run heel-toe with no lateral movement; 2) stability if you pronate (roll-in) through your stride; and 3) motion control for those with flat feet, knock knees or extreme pronation. Brands also have different lasts which work for different foot types - narrow, wide, high arch, thin heels etc. Remember that the most expensive shoe is not always the best; it is about what works for you and your body!

Runnersworld.com is a wealth of great info and motivation. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

It is great that you want to run and it sounds like you have been a runner in the past. The key is to start slow and get in contact with a local running group. (most have websites and can be searched by looking up Running (your city)" on yahoo.
They can get you a training group (so that it is easier to stay motivated), possibly a coach (who will direct you in the best ways to train), and they will also have a schedule of races in your area.
Marathons do cost a bit and the price just keeps going up. Due to the costs of putting on the race it can run anywhere from $40 to $200 or more to get into certain marathons.
I would not even think of a marathon yet. Get into a group, get some advice, and then just run. Don't overdo it and enjoy it. as you get more and more fit think about starting small at a 5K race (3.1 miles). From there you can move up gradually and later you can move on to the beast that is the marathon.

Good luck!

Answer 3

A Marathon 26.2 miles, no shorter ,no longer there are lots of shorter races to train for like a 5K 3.1 miles 10K 6.2 miles etc. Runners World has a great run/walk program to start you back running

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-261--2201-0,00.html

Then lots of training plans for any distance of race you might want to do. also they have walking events at all the races, so you could just walk or walk run it until you have build your running ability back up. since you haven't tun in that long I would see how your training back int running goes and try a Half Marathon first and then go for the Marathon.

Answer 4

start slowly. DONT get into a marathon just yet. your body has gone through a lot of stress with 2 babies. You need to rest after you give birth and get back to exersicing slowly.

if running is your thing.. look into going to the gym and start off on the stairmaster type of machines. or short walking distances around your block. DO NOT put your body into shock...

Answer 5

ok well dont over do it by doing a marathon. Start off by running around the track a few times then as you get faster adn start loosing baby fat then when the next marathon comes around if you think you are up for it hten do the marathon.

Answer 6

one step at a time...