How long til I can expect to be able to run a marathon?

Question

I've been running for years but not competitively at all...

What time frame do you think I could ready within if I started training today?

Also..what should I be thinking of in the way of life change ? (ex: diet, time running, how often should I run, weight training?)

Thankyou :)

Answer 1

I dont actually have an answer, but I just wanted to say, CONGRATS!  I hate running with a passion.  Not running WITH a passion, but running with a PASSION.

Answer 2

You can follow a program for running a marathon.

Google *marathon programs* and see which one best suits you. Some require you to run 4 miles a day 6 days a week and others have you run 9 miles a day every other day - so it all depends on what you are capable of doing.

I believe that there are programs that are anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 weeks to prepare yourself. As for your diet just make sure you eat a lot of Antioxidants (fruit - berries - green veggies- & herbal teas) to protect your body from the free radical damage that occurs while doing any type of strenuous workout/exercise.

Staying hydrated is the absolute #1 most important factor. There is this stuff called Emergen-C (I think that is how it is spelled) my sister swears by it.

While on your program-- stay away from alcohol--trust me you will do so much better :)

HAVE FUN!!!!!

PS * Edit* since everyone else did...

Also since you alread run a 10k you should try to buy a weight vest & do sprints. This will help you with your time. Also...dead lifts (straight & bent),hamstring curls,plyometrics, jump rope... I hope I helped a little :)

Answer 3

Give me some info. on yourself? Edit..... Still a little confussed on your info ......but here is best answer I can give (don't know your mileage or how many times a week you run now?)  It would take about 4-6 months if you've been running say 3-4 times a week right now at about 15 Mi. a week.  You need to be running about 25-35 Mi. a week steady for a month or so, at least 3 days but up to 5 days a week is great.  Main thing for marathon is building up long run every week to 10 days (increase by 10% each time out).  Then in general the running in between is about keeping the pace you want to set as your goal and keeping your speed.  Any cardio you do, doesn't have to be running will help tremendously!  Diet you need to eat well, but make sure ya get enough calories to replace all that you'll be using up as energy.  Drinking plenty of water is very important ( I would suggest 100 ounces a day at least).  Weight training will help out big time as well b/c your legs take a beating on a marathon.........lots of leg work, esp. calf raises.  When training stay off (concrete), very hard on legs.  Good Luck on trying this.......contact if any questions, with more info. I can be of more help.

Answer 4

Tie some fish to your back, and let all those polar bears chase you. Your long distance will improve very fast.

Answer 5

I'm exhausted just from reading your question.

Answer 6

8 years 4 months 9 days 2 hours 11 minutes 57 seconds