Are seven mo. enough time for a sedentary, overweight (40#), 50 yr old guy to prepare for running a marathon?

Question

I turn 50 tomorrow and have been in a funk for a while. I'm overweight by about 40# and have slid into a life of working a desk job, watching tv and sleeping - that's it. There's got to be more to life than this and so I thought about setting a goal of running the Chicago Marathon. Time is running out to sign up, but I'm not sure if 7 months is enough time to prepare, given the shape I'm in. It's been a long time since I regularly exercised.

Answer 1

Absolutely. Your goal is to finish, not win, and 7 months is more than enough time to do it safely. You should seek some basic medical advice, i.e. meet with your doctor to make sure you don't have any physical limitations. Sometimes they can help you with untapped resources.

You'll want to take a very structured approach to it, so as to avoid injury.

In the early weeks, your goal will be simply to get moving say 4 days a week. Walk at first as needed. Your focus should be on doing this for enjoyment, i.e. a lifestyle change not just a vehicle to accomplish a single goal.

I attached Hal Higdon's training resource. It's very conservative, and sensible.

You might want to think about joining a team. Team in Training is a very good program. I've run two with them, and it is a very worthy cause. The support really helps.

You could also look into local running clubs. Go to your local running store, and they are sure to have advice for you.

My best advice: Buy good shoes. Get professionally fit and placed in a shoe that will work best with your tendencies, and account for the extra weight.

You can do this, and the finish is more satisfying than you can imagine. The physical transformation can be remarkable too.

Answer 2

Hi, Happy Birthday! I am also expecting the big 50 soon! (in May). To answer your question you need to consider the goal of running a marathon is a very lofty goal but not an impossible one. Start with the consideration that you just need to finish it. "Running" one considering your present condition may be setting your sights a bit too high. consider using the Galloway program: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/marathon.html.

Break up your training into short goals. Set your sights on a 5K race, then get out and do something EVERY day, walk some days, do situps, just do something every day. Then do the 5K race. If you can complete that race then try a 5 mile race, then a 10K (6.2miles), then a 10 miler, then a 15K, keep moving up in distance.

Also, VERY important!! Find a run / walking group! Don't go it alone. Having others waiting for you will keep you getting up at 5:30am.

Finally, realize this, it's OK to shoot for the stars. You may surprise yourself. But I also say if you fall short and still land on the moon you have still achived something worthwhile. So dream big and go for it!

Good luck!

Desmond

Answer 3

I think you might be well advised to start training for a shorter distance to start. The marathon is a difficult event even for an experienced runner. You may be able to pull it off, but you are risking injury, and also risking abandoning your goal because it will require so much for you.
5 and 10K runs are much easier to complete. I would suggest that you set a lesser goal to begin your training, and save the marathon goal for another year when you are in better shape.
Having said that, go ahead and sign up if that will motivate you. That way, you can try it if you feel prepared, and if you don't then watch it and cheer on the friends you've made running the shorter races.
Good Luck

Answer 4

On first reading the beginning of your question my answer was no because of the amount of work you'll have to endure, the stress you'll put your body under, etc. but after reading WHY you want to do it, I had a change of heart. The fact that you've recognized this "funk" and are wanting to do something about it is admirable. I would be careful however seeing that your weight might play a part of putting you at higher risk for injuries (back, knees, ankles) Make sure you buy the proper shoes (new balance are for heavier runners- try Feet Fleet- a nation wide store that specializes in fitting runners with shoes) and start easy. Your body is going to be in shock for a bit. If anything you'll want to work into being able to run higher miles not until the 6th month. (higher=above 10) and you actually don't need to run the entire length of a marathon in practice.

A lot of this is mind over matter and if you believe you can, you will. Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Why don't you aim for a Half Marathon, first. Then, next year, make the Full Marathon your goal. If, you aim too high, you might get discouraged & quit and there goes your self-esteem. I did the Half, last year and now this year, I'm training for the Full Marathon. But, I was already running about 5-10 miles a week before I committed to the Half. And, remember, it is VERY Time Consuming, I found that out last year! Try not to do too much, too soon, or you might get injured. Good-Luck!

Answer 6

It all depends on how out of shape you are, and what your goals really are. I'd say if you are reasonably active now, 7 months is plenty of time. Most people can train for and complete a marathon in 20 weeks, so your goal is attainable.

Sure, you wont break any records, but 99% of the people there wont either. A good goal for most beginners is to finish in under 5 hours, which is about an 11 minute mile pace.

Start with just getting active. Walk or jog at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Slowly increase this as your body gets used to the exercise. Then add a longer distance once a week, say an hour to start.

Heres a beginner training schedule, which starts at 18 weeks out.

http://www.stlouismarathon.com/EventDetails/TrainingGuide_Marathon_Beg.htm

Definitely get some good shoes. Look for a store that specializes in running shoes and let them fit you properly. And you can find decent running shoes for under $100, so dont be scared to look for good ones.

Also look for local running clubs that are training for the same event. It is a big motivator to train with others, it makes you get out of bed so you wont let them down.

Answer 7

Yes 7 months is long enough first go see a doctor. Then start slow and build on it everyday if you just walk 2 mile and a half for two weeks you'll notice some changes and just keep going and getting better from there. Depending on you goal on your first marathon coming from being sedentary your goal should just be to run the whole thing. Then as you run more you'll start to worry about time.

Answer 8

Yes, it is possible. You'll have to make a significant change in your lifestyle though. You'll need to start eating right in order to lose weight. Running won't lose all the weight you need to in just 7 months. Make sure you are taking in enough calories though so that you have enough energy to run every day. Begin running by jogging and walking very slowly just a few miles a day. Remember that it is O.K. to take breaks and walk in the first couple of weeks of training. After 2 weeks try to run these distances completely on your own without walking. Then slowly build your mileage up about 2-3 miles a week and that should peak you for a marathon if you build up to a couple long run 20 milers in the final months. Just remember to always take it easy, have fun and enjoy the scenery along with the running atmospher. Also, if you feel like you're over-doing it or feeling and injury coming on, back off and do some bi-cycling for a week in order to let your body to recover from the stress.

Answer 9

If you are going to be participating in an official marathon training program that is designed for all fitness levels (as most of them are these days) I say go for it ! Definitely ask your doctor first, though, and let him/her check you over just to make sure there aren't any areas of particular concern. If not, though, there shouldn't be any reason you can't get involved. They will put you in a group with people at a similar ability level so you can go at your own pace. Good luck !! This could be the start of a new life for you !!

Answer 10

I'm no Doc, but my guess would be no. Largely because you need a good base of running for the body to adapt to the demands of a marathon. You might want to consider doing a walk or walk-run of the marathon.

I don't know about Chicago, but some races have max times they will permit a finisher and measure pace at some points along the way; i.e. you must cross the 8 mile mark by the second hour or you're pulled of the course. Google Hal Higdons Marathon Training or try www coolrunning com for more info.