Is it harmful as time passes by for a let's say, 17 year old teenager to run a marathon ?

Question

I plan on running my first marathon (L.A. marathon to be exact) but I have heard experienced runners mention that although it may seem harmless for a young runner to finish a marathon, as time progresses his/her legs will get VERY worned out and EXTREMELY weak. Im a very dedicated runner and Im currently invoved in Cross Country and Track & Field for my school so I am determined to work my butt off but hearing things like that make me think twice. Should I ignore these comments and go for it or should I be a litte more patient and wait.

Answer 1

As long as your well fit and healthy it shouldn't be a problem, specially if you have experience. I say go for it, but if you start to feel weird or different than when you run in school during the marathon, you might want to stop.

If you have time until the event, train yourself to the standards of the marathon like the distance you have to run so that when the time comes, you'll be more prepared.

Answer 2

only if you trained for it, i know a 14 year old who trained in SRLA for about a year and did it..its not like you are forced to run the whole thing.

Answer 3

A teen could do it. I have begged my coaches to let me... but they won't not because I can't but because it would put me back two months in my training. A boy on my team ran a marathon his senior year and it put him in a rut so that he couldn't make it out of district. I know the temptation, believe me. But you can't have yor highschool years back, so while it wouldn't physically hurt you, it would set back your training so if you want to stay competitive don't run the marathon. I already have decided to wait until after college and then I will train and race marathons. But right know I am training and racig oter distances and a marathon could really set me back. It would be so fun, but now is not the time.

Answer 4

you need to talk to your doctor and keep being monitored by a doctor or a parent who knows about marathons

i run half marathons and my dad runs marathons

i dont see a problem running a marathon if you are in shape for it just be careful and dont push yourself too hard

good luck and i hope that this helps :)