Can I run a marathon?

Question

The race I'm thinking of is in December. Right now I run about four miles at a stretch and am in otherwise good shape. Will the training be too strenuous in that amount of time? Or is it do-able?

Answer 1

OBSOLUTELY!

You can get ready by December. I would use the Galloway method of planned walking breaks.

Answer 2

It is definitely do-able. Most training programs are 5 months. Four miles is a great base to start at. If you are doing 4 miles, 3-4x a week, just keep that up. In the months ahead, start to increase the mileage or incorporate different types of runs (hills, intervals, etc) to change it up. Eventually, you should run 4-5 times a week with approx 2 days off to give your muscles a chance to re-energize and repair. By Oct/Nov, you'll also be increasing the mileage once a week to double digits.

Hot months
June - have a solid base of regular running for 3-4 miles
July - do some regular runs at 3 or 4 or 5 miles
August - run at least 4x / week, weekend run should include some 12-14 miles

Cooler fall months (this is when the training gets tough...stay focussed!)
Sept - do regular runs at 4 or 5 or 6 miles, 4-5x per week, register for a 1/2 marathon! longer runs!
Oct - make sure you get in at least some 16 -18 mile runs on alternating weekend.
Nov - keep doing what you're doing! and start lowering the mileage 2 weeks before the marathon

Most major marathons have training schedules but if yours don't, just check out the NYC Marathon link below. It's a good guide to follow. You don't have to stick to it verbatim because other things in life takes over sometimes and you need to let them, but if you stick with it about 85% and make sure you get in (2) 18 miles runs, you're good to go!

Some other good sites are:
marathonguide.com
active.com
coolrunning.com

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is definatly do-able. I am not a physician but, I think age and health may be a factor as well. I trained for a marathon in 11 weeks, and started out in ok shape doing about 6 mile runnes. I completed the marathon at my goal time. 6 months is plenty of time to train. Just go on to the web site of the marathon you will do and they may have a training program or go to other marathon race sites. One of them will have a program.

Answer 4

Absolutely!

If you can run 4 miles, you're in decent shape already, and a marathon is within your reach.
Look up marathon training guides for beginners, there are plenty on line, and most go about 18-20 weeks. So you are well ahead of time.

Answer 5

You can do it, but you need to start training now. They say if you can run 15 miles, you can do the whole thing. Make a calendar to pace yourself through your training.

Answer 6

Running is all mental, you have to know you can do it even before you get to the race. If you give all you have then there is nothing left to give so don't be disappointed at the end result if you tried your best.

Answer 7

yes you can, there are plenty of training sites available for this. most recommend 12 weeks training but if you have 24 weeks then you can just stretch each week to two weeks

Answer 8

sorry to say but the chances of you even finishing is slim .a marathon takes at least a year to train and win.so good luck and have fun any way

Answer 9

Yes you can!!! Anybody can, especially if you can run 4 miles, that is a very good start!!

And believe me, it's an awesome experience, you'll be so proud of yourself, YOU HAVE TO DO IT!!!!

Answer 10

you can do anything you set your mind to :)