Should i run a marathon?

Question

I have been running for 3 months from anywhere from 12 miles- 25 miles a week, gradually increasing my distance. Today I just finished 7.25 miles without stopping with a 9.5 minute/ mile and i felt like i still had atleast another 5 miles to go without a break.

How much longer should I run for until I should think about running a marathon? How many miles a week do I need to put in to run a marathon?

Please consider I do not care if I stop and walk every so often to catch my breathe or because im tired. Finishing a marathon will be a miracle for myself and will be a goal for me.

thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you should run a marathon.  There is nothing in the world like the feeling of crossing the line after a four hour race with thousands of other people.  It's amazing and almost spiritual.

The training is tough, but if you can comfortably run 3 miles, you can start training.  Look for different books at the library or a book store to see training programs.  They're often 4 months long and slowly build up distances.  Everyone will tell you to look at Hal Higdon's book, since he writes for beginners.

Do it!  It's amazing!

Answer 2

go for it. it won't hurt to try. =]

Answer 3

yes,i think you really should run a marathon because if you have been increasing your ammount gradually. But before you DO run a marathon you should start running even more in a week even if it does take you longer than usual, because running long distances does more to your body than running them fast.

Answer 4

Well, I don't want to discourage you at all, and I applaud your efforts so far in your running.  Simply stated, you have quite a few milestones to conquer, and a lot more miles to run before you seriously think about a marathon.

Once you have established a base of ~30 miles per week for 4-6 months, then you could consider STARTING TRAINING for a marathon.  But I suggest you aim for doing a 5K, then 10K, then 10-milers, then half-marathons.  All these you can easily complete doing moderate (30miles a week) training.

Marathon, on the other hand, you can't - or at least not easily.

1.  To complete a marathon, you have to train mentally as well.  It's mind over matter at times, and without being there a few times, a marathon could become a disaster.  That's why marathon training schedules have those 18-20-22 mile runs in there, to get you there mentally.

2.  FYI, there is a rule of thumb that says (on any given day) you can physically complete a distance equal to 3 times your average daily mileage.  So if you run consistent 120 miles a month, you should be able to complete a 12 mile run comfortably.  120/30*3=12