MeridaAndAngus
If you had a chance to change your fate would you
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2014
I've been researching, debating, wondering when/if I'm ready to sign up for my first full marathon. I've already decided that I want to do my first full marathon at Disney World, but I'm debating whether I'm ready to try for it this year, or if I should wait another year. I'd love to do the marathon this January, as it would make me a "marathoner" just before a landmark birthday. It would be a real personal victory for me.
My question boils down to this: How did you decide it was the right time to train for and run your first marathon? I've read a lot about the minimum weekly mileage you should be running before you start training for a marathon, and about how many years you should be running before your first marathon, but I'd love to hear some personal stories and experiences from fellow runDisney fans.
A little background on me: My first long-distance race (and foray back into getting myself back in shape after many years of long work hours and grad school) was the Disneyland 10k in 2014. I then ran my first half marathon at Disney World in January 2015. I've since run 4 more local half marathons and several other local races (10k, 15k distances). Right now I'm training for the Dumbo Double Dare in September, and the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge in November. I'm following the Galloway plans, so at present I'm averaging 2-3 mid-week runs of about 35 minutes, and a weekend long run (alternating weeks between shorter and longer mileage). Long runs on weekends typically are 8 - 13.1 miles, short weekend runs are typically 3-5 miles.
Now, when I say "run" I must preface this by saying that I'm still on what I call a fitness journey. I use the Galloway run-walk method, and I typically run 1-2 minutes, and then walk 1 minute. Depending on how bad the heat is, my pace is usually slow by "runner" standards: 13/min mile if it's cool out, and closer to 14 or 14:30/mile in the summer months (the heat really drains me).
I also do "flow" style aerobic yoga classes (typically 60 minutes/class) about 3-5 days/week. These have really helped me gain lean muscle, and also have helped me strengthen my legs and hips and helped me to correct my form and avoid running injuries.
After all that rambling about me, I'd love to hear some input from you guys on your experiences deciding to train for and run your first full marathon!
My question boils down to this: How did you decide it was the right time to train for and run your first marathon? I've read a lot about the minimum weekly mileage you should be running before you start training for a marathon, and about how many years you should be running before your first marathon, but I'd love to hear some personal stories and experiences from fellow runDisney fans.
A little background on me: My first long-distance race (and foray back into getting myself back in shape after many years of long work hours and grad school) was the Disneyland 10k in 2014. I then ran my first half marathon at Disney World in January 2015. I've since run 4 more local half marathons and several other local races (10k, 15k distances). Right now I'm training for the Dumbo Double Dare in September, and the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge in November. I'm following the Galloway plans, so at present I'm averaging 2-3 mid-week runs of about 35 minutes, and a weekend long run (alternating weeks between shorter and longer mileage). Long runs on weekends typically are 8 - 13.1 miles, short weekend runs are typically 3-5 miles.
Now, when I say "run" I must preface this by saying that I'm still on what I call a fitness journey. I use the Galloway run-walk method, and I typically run 1-2 minutes, and then walk 1 minute. Depending on how bad the heat is, my pace is usually slow by "runner" standards: 13/min mile if it's cool out, and closer to 14 or 14:30/mile in the summer months (the heat really drains me).
I also do "flow" style aerobic yoga classes (typically 60 minutes/class) about 3-5 days/week. These have really helped me gain lean muscle, and also have helped me strengthen my legs and hips and helped me to correct my form and avoid running injuries.
After all that rambling about me, I'd love to hear some input from you guys on your experiences deciding to train for and run your first full marathon!