Considering running a Marathon? ?

Question

I live in Philly and I am considering running the Philadelphia Marathon in November and the ING Half-Marathon in September. I play soccer, and I just started practice last week...and the season lasts until the week before Thanksgiving. Do you think it would be smart to run a marathon? I have never run more than 10 miles before but I just want to be able to accomplish this. I'm not big in running on my own time; I think it is boring...and I know that the marathon is going to be long and relentless and unmerciful to my body but I really just want to be able to say I did it.

Is this a dumb strategy? Do you suggest I do it? If so, what should I do to prepare for it? I am in pretty good shape as it is, I have a six pack and all but I just don't think I know what I'm really in for.

I am a junior in high school if that makes any difference.

Answer 1

Preparing for a marathon is pretty much a full time job.  If you are playing soccer I think the marathon training would interfere.  You are young and the marathon may not be the best choice for you at this time.  You have lots of time to put a marathon on your life achievements.   In the past couple of years the Philly Marathon has offered a half-marathon option.  Why not run the half?  Your soccer conditioning will be compatible with a half.  You will get the look and feel of a marathon.  You will be running with the marathoners so you can get some feel for the course and how it is run.  You can hang around and watch the finish and learn from those doing it.  Then in a year or two you can fit a marathon into your schedule.

Answer 2

If it is something you want to prove to yourself then go for it. But you've gotta be able to move on if you wind up falling out in the middle of it. Run more than just in soccer because in my practices we only run three miles and I've only been able to run the whole way once. I don't know if I could do ten. Good luck.