Is there any hope of running a marathon in 80 days.....
Discussion
I'm attempting to train for a marathon in 83 days, I have never been the fittest or done much exercising, I'm slightly overweigth and not the most naturally fit person. I have started training and I am currently running 2 miles at the 12 min mile point. Not great I know but a starting point.
My questions are is it even possible for me to do this aiming at a time of 4 1/2 hours with just 80 days of training?
Will my body be able to physically do it with such a short training period?
I am training with my mate who has done 5 marathons all 3 1/2 hour mark.
Any tips or suggestions would be great help.
thanks
My questions are is it even possible for me to do this aiming at a time of 4 1/2 hours with just 80 days of training?
Will my body be able to physically do it with such a short training period?
I am training with my mate who has done 5 marathons all 3 1/2 hour mark.
Any tips or suggestions would be great help.
thanks
These are just my own thoughts as a regular runner.
I don't think it's impossible, but I think you should throw away any time targets that you've set yourself and just train to get around the course in one piece. It's also going to hurt. Alot.
Most marathon training schedules are based on 12 - 16 weeks so you're just short of the time needed to dedicate to these plans fully.
I don't think it's impossible, but I think you should throw away any time targets that you've set yourself and just train to get around the course in one piece. It's also going to hurt. Alot.
Most marathon training schedules are based on 12 - 16 weeks so you're just short of the time needed to dedicate to these plans fully.
Yes, it's possible, I've trained for a marathon in a shorter time period.
The toughest part for me was getting used to running over 13 miles. I only did 3 long slow runs over 13 miles before the marathon, the longest being 18m. In hindsight I would have done more and longer LSRs (although perhaps this may have increased the chance of injury...).
The marathon itself was painful in the second half. I suspect nutrition is important - I took on a lot of gels so,hard no issues with running out of energy.
It took my body about a month and a half to fully recover.
The toughest part for me was getting used to running over 13 miles. I only did 3 long slow runs over 13 miles before the marathon, the longest being 18m. In hindsight I would have done more and longer LSRs (although perhaps this may have increased the chance of injury...).
The marathon itself was painful in the second half. I suspect nutrition is important - I took on a lot of gels so,hard no issues with running out of energy.
It took my body about a month and a half to fully recover.
Edited by fandango_c on Monday 14th January 17:59
Firstly, well done on starting up - the first few runs are hard to do. Good that you are up to 2 miles but stating the obvious, 26 is a totally different proposition.
I went from being pretty anaerobically fit, playing occasional games of football / tennis / golf and doing the odd weight session and started running to train with my missus on dark nights over the Winter. I took 9 months to go from pretty much being able to run 1 mile or so to completing the London marathon. However, the training volume was considerable and the some of the long runs (18-20 miles) felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to me.
First question is - WHY train for a marathon in 83 days? Is it for a particular race; Blackpool perhaps? There are loads of marathon races out there and you're MUCH better off giving yourself considerably longer to train for it. Is it a New Year's resolution or a bet with a mate? All perfectly good reasons, provided you give yourself adequate time to get fit.
If you are desperate to train for this particular race, you should:
a) check with your doctor that you've got the OK to push yourself training wise
b) get properly fitted trainers for your running style from a running shop that know what they're doing (i.e. not JJB or JD sports)
c) get a suitable training plan made up, including dedicated recovery time and stick to it - including a good 2-3 week taper at the end of your plan prior to your race
d) find a good sports masseuse
Now, I'm all up for some mad challenges but I would sincerely caution against this plan - personally I think it is way too short. I suspect you'll be pushing your body too quickly and you'll put yourself at risk of injury by having to ramp your mileage up so quickly. Your best bet would be to run / walk the marathon to make sure you get round in one piece. However, you'll soon discover that 26 miles is not just 13x more difficult than 2 miles… it's substantially harder.
Is it possible? Maybe… but would you be better off long term easing into distance running - definitely. You may even find that by taking up the sport more slowly you enjoy it more and stick with it longer, rather than being put off for life by one race.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
I went from being pretty anaerobically fit, playing occasional games of football / tennis / golf and doing the odd weight session and started running to train with my missus on dark nights over the Winter. I took 9 months to go from pretty much being able to run 1 mile or so to completing the London marathon. However, the training volume was considerable and the some of the long runs (18-20 miles) felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to me.
First question is - WHY train for a marathon in 83 days? Is it for a particular race; Blackpool perhaps? There are loads of marathon races out there and you're MUCH better off giving yourself considerably longer to train for it. Is it a New Year's resolution or a bet with a mate? All perfectly good reasons, provided you give yourself adequate time to get fit.
If you are desperate to train for this particular race, you should:
a) check with your doctor that you've got the OK to push yourself training wise
b) get properly fitted trainers for your running style from a running shop that know what they're doing (i.e. not JJB or JD sports)
c) get a suitable training plan made up, including dedicated recovery time and stick to it - including a good 2-3 week taper at the end of your plan prior to your race
d) find a good sports masseuse
Now, I'm all up for some mad challenges but I would sincerely caution against this plan - personally I think it is way too short. I suspect you'll be pushing your body too quickly and you'll put yourself at risk of injury by having to ramp your mileage up so quickly. Your best bet would be to run / walk the marathon to make sure you get round in one piece. However, you'll soon discover that 26 miles is not just 13x more difficult than 2 miles… it's substantially harder.
Is it possible? Maybe… but would you be better off long term easing into distance running - definitely. You may even find that by taking up the sport more slowly you enjoy it more and stick with it longer, rather than being put off for life by one race.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
It's possible that you could finish the marathon, infact I'd say it's very much within your reach, but I'd get rid of any ideas about keeping up with your buddy or getting close to 3.5 hours. I'd set yourself up to pace 10 minute miles and extend your distances over the coming weeks and months, listening to your body as you go and put some thought into your diet.
A trip to the GP to get a check up won't do any harm.
Edit: Footwear is vitaly important, get fitted for good trainers and keep toe nails short!
A trip to the GP to get a check up won't do any harm.
Edit: Footwear is vitaly important, get fitted for good trainers and keep toe nails short!
Edited by mattnunn on Monday 14th January 18:23
drgav2005 said:
Firstly, well done on starting up - the first few runs are hard to do. Good that you are up to 2 miles but stating the obvious, 26 is a totally different proposition.
I went from being pretty anaerobically fit, playing occasional games of football / tennis / golf and doing the odd weight session and started running to train with my missus on dark nights over the Winter. I took 9 months to go from pretty much being able to run 1 mile or so to completing the London marathon. However, the training volume was considerable and the some of the long runs (18-20 miles) felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to me.
First question is - WHY train for a marathon in 83 days? Is it for a particular race; Blackpool perhaps? There are loads of marathon races out there and you're MUCH better off giving yourself considerably longer to train for it. Is it a New Year's resolution or a bet with a mate? All perfectly good reasons, provided you give yourself adequate time to get fit.
If you are desperate to train for this particular race, you should:
a) check with your doctor that you've got the OK to push yourself training wise
b) get properly fitted trainers for your running style from a running shop that know what they're doing (i.e. not JJB or JD sports)
c) get a suitable training plan made up, including dedicated recovery time and stick to it - including a good 2-3 week taper at the end of your plan prior to your race
d) find a good sports masseuse
Now, I'm all up for some mad challenges but I would sincerely caution against this plan - personally I think it is way too short. I suspect you'll be pushing your body too quickly and you'll put yourself at risk of injury by having to ramp your mileage up so quickly. Your best bet would be to run / walk the marathon to make sure you get round in one piece. However, you'll soon discover that 26 miles is not just 13x more difficult than 2 miles… it's substantially harder.
Is it possible? Maybe… but would you be better off long term easing into distance running - definitely. You may even find that by taking up the sport more slowly you enjoy it more and stick with it longer, rather than being put off for life by one race.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
Totally +1I went from being pretty anaerobically fit, playing occasional games of football / tennis / golf and doing the odd weight session and started running to train with my missus on dark nights over the Winter. I took 9 months to go from pretty much being able to run 1 mile or so to completing the London marathon. However, the training volume was considerable and the some of the long runs (18-20 miles) felt like someone had taken a baseball bat to me.
First question is - WHY train for a marathon in 83 days? Is it for a particular race; Blackpool perhaps? There are loads of marathon races out there and you're MUCH better off giving yourself considerably longer to train for it. Is it a New Year's resolution or a bet with a mate? All perfectly good reasons, provided you give yourself adequate time to get fit.
If you are desperate to train for this particular race, you should:
a) check with your doctor that you've got the OK to push yourself training wise
b) get properly fitted trainers for your running style from a running shop that know what they're doing (i.e. not JJB or JD sports)
c) get a suitable training plan made up, including dedicated recovery time and stick to it - including a good 2-3 week taper at the end of your plan prior to your race
d) find a good sports masseuse
Now, I'm all up for some mad challenges but I would sincerely caution against this plan - personally I think it is way too short. I suspect you'll be pushing your body too quickly and you'll put yourself at risk of injury by having to ramp your mileage up so quickly. Your best bet would be to run / walk the marathon to make sure you get round in one piece. However, you'll soon discover that 26 miles is not just 13x more difficult than 2 miles… it's substantially harder.
Is it possible? Maybe… but would you be better off long term easing into distance running - definitely. You may even find that by taking up the sport more slowly you enjoy it more and stick with it longer, rather than being put off for life by one race.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
DrGav has pretty much said everything I was going to. Endurance sports are tough, but as tough as they are, they can also be enjoyable and hugely rewarding.
I can absolutely guarantee that if you are considering running a marathon off a poor base with 80 odd days training, you may well finish it, but you are NOT in a million years going to find it in ANY way enjoyable or rewarding. To use the cycling analogy, you'll be licking your front wheel after 10k. It'll be horrible for you mate, absolutely no question . . . and there's no way you'll "run" much more than the first 10k.
It's up to you, but I'd follow our esteemed friend's advice.
Thanks for all the replys.
I do think I'm mad, the aim is for the Milan marathon in April, I going to give it a dam good shot and train but will assess nearer the time if it is possible for me to do the marathon and if my body is capable. My first goal is for a 10km run in 35 days.
Purchased shoes which where fitted to my feet and the doctor has given me the all clear, if I did the marathon I would have to have a doctors note anyhow as its a requirement.
Its painful at the moment jut running the two miles, I now have a new found respect for any runner.
I do think I'm mad, the aim is for the Milan marathon in April, I going to give it a dam good shot and train but will assess nearer the time if it is possible for me to do the marathon and if my body is capable. My first goal is for a 10km run in 35 days.
Purchased shoes which where fitted to my feet and the doctor has given me the all clear, if I did the marathon I would have to have a doctors note anyhow as its a requirement.
Its painful at the moment jut running the two miles, I now have a new found respect for any runner.
Hmm some good and bad advice on here.
First off it is totally possible, well within your reach, but please don't set yourself a time target, instead aim to be fit enough to run the whole way around the course.
Don't increase your running mileage by more than 15% in any one week (usual advice is
Is 10% but hey you are short of time)
CROSS TRAIN, don’t just run – even a couple of sessions of core strength session (sit ups, hips flexors, crunches, planks and similar can really help reduce the workload) - also try to swim the day after your longest run – if you can get a steam room and sauna in too, I found this great for recovery.
Make sure you are stretching carefully post run, I never stretched pre run and advice is still conflicting about this, warm up by running, gently for the first mile. But post run is essential. Hams, Calves, soleus and feet. It is the small shin muscles that need the work. Ice cold 6 inch baths after a long run can help recovery time.
Even dropping half a stone by race will greatly improve your chances of finishing.
Buy arse lube – no double dipping – you will get sore.
Time on your feet, you aren’t reay to run a 10k just yet – but why not walk one ? Run the first 1k, walk 3k run 1k walk 3k run the last two - slowly. You need time on your feet to build you up.
Minimum three runs a week, one complete rest day. Aim for 10 minute miles if you can as a “average run” try to do a short run quicker than that, and you longest run of the week slightly slower !
Forget a three week taper – that is poor advice if you only have 83 days – but if you are up or around 35 mile weeks towards the end then have a whole week off before the race – but the day before the race, go out for a slow and steady 3 miles just to re fresh your legs.
Very best of luck, it can be done and I guarantee on the day you will see people in far far worse shape than you on the start line.
First off it is totally possible, well within your reach, but please don't set yourself a time target, instead aim to be fit enough to run the whole way around the course.
Don't increase your running mileage by more than 15% in any one week (usual advice is
Is 10% but hey you are short of time)
CROSS TRAIN, don’t just run – even a couple of sessions of core strength session (sit ups, hips flexors, crunches, planks and similar can really help reduce the workload) - also try to swim the day after your longest run – if you can get a steam room and sauna in too, I found this great for recovery.
Make sure you are stretching carefully post run, I never stretched pre run and advice is still conflicting about this, warm up by running, gently for the first mile. But post run is essential. Hams, Calves, soleus and feet. It is the small shin muscles that need the work. Ice cold 6 inch baths after a long run can help recovery time.
Even dropping half a stone by race will greatly improve your chances of finishing.
Buy arse lube – no double dipping – you will get sore.
Time on your feet, you aren’t reay to run a 10k just yet – but why not walk one ? Run the first 1k, walk 3k run 1k walk 3k run the last two - slowly. You need time on your feet to build you up.
Minimum three runs a week, one complete rest day. Aim for 10 minute miles if you can as a “average run” try to do a short run quicker than that, and you longest run of the week slightly slower !
Forget a three week taper – that is poor advice if you only have 83 days – but if you are up or around 35 mile weeks towards the end then have a whole week off before the race – but the day before the race, go out for a slow and steady 3 miles just to re fresh your legs.
Very best of luck, it can be done and I guarantee on the day you will see people in far far worse shape than you on the start line.
Agree with all the above.
I went from reasonably fit, but not really a runner, to finishing the marathon in about 4 or 5 months. I finished in 4 1/2 hrs which I was very happy with.
My main tip would be to not push it too hard initially, or you will get an injury. Get a training plan (I used the BUPA one I think) and just follow it from the start. Obviously you wont get to the end of the plan, but at least that way you will ramp up the training at a appropriate rate.
Also, you will need to take on energy during the run (energy gels etc). Make sure you try a few first whilst training, to make sure they dont mess with your stomach.
The marathon will hurt, a lot. I did training runs up to about 18/19 miles before the marathon. I ran the full marathon without stopping, but I was in a world of pain between 22 and 25 miles (the last mile ish is fairly easy as you can almost see the finish).
I've done 5 half marathons since and it does get a lot easier once you have the base fitness.
Good luck.
I went from reasonably fit, but not really a runner, to finishing the marathon in about 4 or 5 months. I finished in 4 1/2 hrs which I was very happy with.
My main tip would be to not push it too hard initially, or you will get an injury. Get a training plan (I used the BUPA one I think) and just follow it from the start. Obviously you wont get to the end of the plan, but at least that way you will ramp up the training at a appropriate rate.
Also, you will need to take on energy during the run (energy gels etc). Make sure you try a few first whilst training, to make sure they dont mess with your stomach.
The marathon will hurt, a lot. I did training runs up to about 18/19 miles before the marathon. I ran the full marathon without stopping, but I was in a world of pain between 22 and 25 miles (the last mile ish is fairly easy as you can almost see the finish).
I've done 5 half marathons since and it does get a lot easier once you have the base fitness.
Good luck.
Why???
Buy your own admission you are too fat and not fit. If you want to get in shape there are a million better ways, if all you will do is train (and hate it) then do it and never do it again....is it really worth it?
The chance of you using such a grim training regime to spring board into long term fitness is slim....so just ask yourself why you are doing it.
Buy your own admission you are too fat and not fit. If you want to get in shape there are a million better ways, if all you will do is train (and hate it) then do it and never do it again....is it really worth it?
The chance of you using such a grim training regime to spring board into long term fitness is slim....so just ask yourself why you are doing it.
The only reason I've decided to get into running is due to my friends doing marathons and I find running with them escpecially in the early stages a lot easier than single running.
One the 5/6 runs I've been on so far I'm enjoying it, its painful but I can feel it getting easier which is a great feeling.
3 months to do the Milan marathon is a target, if i'm no where near close I will do a half marathon and extend the training time and target one in June/July. Its a bit of fun and I'm enjoying the running which is the main thing even if its going to be painful. The good diet and no alcohol to go with the training is just a bonus.
One the 5/6 runs I've been on so far I'm enjoying it, its painful but I can feel it getting easier which is a great feeling.
3 months to do the Milan marathon is a target, if i'm no where near close I will do a half marathon and extend the training time and target one in June/July. Its a bit of fun and I'm enjoying the running which is the main thing even if its going to be painful. The good diet and no alcohol to go with the training is just a bonus.
IroningMan said:
If it's going to take you more than 4 hours - which it probably is - then there will be a run/walk strategy that will be faster than trying to run the whole shooting match.
I think that's a very good suggestion. You might find here useful Jeff GallowayA poaitive for Milan is that it is pretty flat.
A negative consideration (perhaps?) is that there is a cutoff time of 6 hours. You don't want to flog your balls off and then get swept up by the bus before finishing, so while I agree entirely with the 'complete not compete' sentiment, there is still a time to beat.
You need to be running 10kms sooner than in 35 days time if you want to finish 40+kms just 50 days later. its all about getting the miles in your legs. As others have said, forget a target time, you should concentrate on simply finishing it without injury. learn what your body needs on those training runs too, when you should eat/drink etc, getting used to energy gels now might just help, try the Torq ones for starters... they are a good consistency and taste better than the rest.
I decided to do a marathon 60 days before the event. Howver I did have reasonable fitness on my side, and used to be a regular runner, but hadn't really been running for about two years (had been cycling though). Started out on a training run with my friend and we did 14 (fast) miles. She said I should do the marathon too, and the next day at work was an invite for a corporate challenge place, so I signed up.
Obviously working up from two miles now will prove difficult, but I think it can be done. A lot of it is in mental preparation. The biggest key is to not push yourself too much too soon. Ensure decent breaks between your runs, but be working on your cardio fitness in these times. As already stated, the warm downs and stretching has to be taken seriously, and listen to your body if you feel anything unusual. I did seven training runs, and only one of those was in the month before the race. My training partner was very fast, so got pushed beyond my limits. After a long rest, I went out on my own and ran at my pace. Did a 7 mile run two days before at a pace I felt I could be totally comfortable at. On the day I just stuck to this pace and had a great run. She finished about an hour ahead of me, but I did it and the recovery was easy.
Best of luck with it, keep us updated, you'll get good advice on here.
Obviously working up from two miles now will prove difficult, but I think it can be done. A lot of it is in mental preparation. The biggest key is to not push yourself too much too soon. Ensure decent breaks between your runs, but be working on your cardio fitness in these times. As already stated, the warm downs and stretching has to be taken seriously, and listen to your body if you feel anything unusual. I did seven training runs, and only one of those was in the month before the race. My training partner was very fast, so got pushed beyond my limits. After a long rest, I went out on my own and ran at my pace. Did a 7 mile run two days before at a pace I felt I could be totally comfortable at. On the day I just stuck to this pace and had a great run. She finished about an hour ahead of me, but I did it and the recovery was easy.
Best of luck with it, keep us updated, you'll get good advice on here.
Good thread, OP. 
I applied for the 1988 London Marathon but lazily didn't start training until I received the letter stating I'd been accepted. By memory, that was the first week in December so basically, four months to get fit.
I was 19 years old, tall, slightly overweight and had done a few short runs but nothing serious at all. Trained steadily, adding about a mile a fortnight on to my runs then with a month to go, did a 13-mile run and an 18-mile run. This was advice given to me; make sure you can do around three quarters of the distance as the crowd will carry you home over those last few agonisingly painful miles.
Came to the race day and it was warm. Gun went off and I took more than seven minutes to get to the start line. Took it steady and afterwards, was thankful for the strategy as my time at halfway was almost exactly half my finishing time. Finished in a running time of 4 hours 18 minutes 52 seconds and treasure that medal to the day.
Best advice I could give?
1. Do it, even if you might not enjoy it. The feeling of pride and satisfaction will overcome the pain and blisters.
2. Take the training steady and stop if you have an injury.
3. On the day, take it steady. Don't have any pre-conceived targets of when you'll finish, just aim to finish.
I applied for the 1988 London Marathon but lazily didn't start training until I received the letter stating I'd been accepted. By memory, that was the first week in December so basically, four months to get fit.
I was 19 years old, tall, slightly overweight and had done a few short runs but nothing serious at all. Trained steadily, adding about a mile a fortnight on to my runs then with a month to go, did a 13-mile run and an 18-mile run. This was advice given to me; make sure you can do around three quarters of the distance as the crowd will carry you home over those last few agonisingly painful miles.
Came to the race day and it was warm. Gun went off and I took more than seven minutes to get to the start line. Took it steady and afterwards, was thankful for the strategy as my time at halfway was almost exactly half my finishing time. Finished in a running time of 4 hours 18 minutes 52 seconds and treasure that medal to the day.
Best advice I could give?
1. Do it, even if you might not enjoy it. The feeling of pride and satisfaction will overcome the pain and blisters.
2. Take the training steady and stop if you have an injury.
3. On the day, take it steady. Don't have any pre-conceived targets of when you'll finish, just aim to finish.
I'd certainly agree that it's possible, but it really depends on your starting point.
I started running less than a month before my first marathon on receipt of a corporate place. I even believed a work colleague who said that I should be able to run under 4 hours (based on me being young (24) and formally a national standard swimmer). With hindsight, it was somewhat ambitious when my longest training run had been less than 10 miles.
To add to my forthcoming misery, I didn't realise that the marathon was the day after my brother's wedding, where I wasn't going to hold back on the champagne. At least that meant no nerves on the start line - I arrived in my pen an hour early and had a nap on the grass until it was time to get up and run.
On the day I kept running (initially with my 4 hour target in mind) until about 16 miles, then was forced to mix a slow jog with a fast walk, ultimately finishing in 4hr 28. I loved every minute and was completely hooked. The following year I'd improved my time by 90 minutes and went on to take a further 30 minutes off over the next 5 years.
Welcome to the world of running! Best of luck & look forward to reading your progress updates.
I started running less than a month before my first marathon on receipt of a corporate place. I even believed a work colleague who said that I should be able to run under 4 hours (based on me being young (24) and formally a national standard swimmer). With hindsight, it was somewhat ambitious when my longest training run had been less than 10 miles.
To add to my forthcoming misery, I didn't realise that the marathon was the day after my brother's wedding, where I wasn't going to hold back on the champagne. At least that meant no nerves on the start line - I arrived in my pen an hour early and had a nap on the grass until it was time to get up and run.
On the day I kept running (initially with my 4 hour target in mind) until about 16 miles, then was forced to mix a slow jog with a fast walk, ultimately finishing in 4hr 28. I loved every minute and was completely hooked. The following year I'd improved my time by 90 minutes and went on to take a further 30 minutes off over the next 5 years.
Welcome to the world of running! Best of luck & look forward to reading your progress updates.
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