hello everyone,

so i have a burning desire to run a marathon in the next year. i was hoping to do it this year, but i am a graduate student and school was particularly brutal the last few months.

i ran a couple of half marathons last year in ~2hrs, so i'm pretty sure i can manage a marathin with the right training and fuelling.

i have my eye on the Atlanta marathon on the 21st March next year.
so that gives me 5 months to get ready for a 26.2.

any training tips?
any one else planning on running that race?
how the hell do i stay motivated in the winter time!!?? (i live in new england, it's already snowed)

You should definitely do it!!!!.... you have plenty of time if you are up to 13 miles... I ran one this year in may and I signed up in january but didn't start getting into long runs, over 15 until like 2 months before... It will be hard in the winter but just get yourself some good running clothes to keep you warm and you should be fine. Make sure that rest enough and eat healthy and don't overdue it with your miles.... if you have any specific questions feel free to message me, good luck!!!

~Leash

Alicia,
Thanks for the positive words!
I'll let you know how it goes.

bump

You sound similar to me! I ran my first marathon 3 years ago. I ended up injured (IT band) and had to take some time off from running. I worked my way back up and this past year I ran 2 half marathons 3 weeks apart (and PR'ed at 1:55 so I was happy with that!). And also have done a few triathlons.

Anyway... I am training for the Illinois marathon in May now! I run in the cold also (I live in IL). My advice is to buy nice running tights that will keep your legs warm. Also buy some layers (dry wick long sleeves and a good lighter weight jacket), also gloves and a headband (or hat if you do hats). I've run up to -2* and in a blizzard, so it can be done! Right now on my *off* season I have still been running 5-6 miles a week Tues and Thurs and 8+ miles on Saturday.

Get a schedule and stick to it. I used the FIRST training plan for my half marathon and it was great! 3 days a week of running plus cross training.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--11816-0,00.html

Good luck!

Jess,
Thanks for the advice. I downloaded the FIRST plan and it looks good.

I went for a run last weekend and realised that I need new running shoes... shin pain after 4 miles is never a good thing. So I now have a lovely new pair of running shoes (and I am $90 poorer) and am enjoying my runs much more.

I also signed up for the Boston Run to Remember half marathon next May so that I can stay motivated to keep running beyond the marathon!

I'm excited!!

Well I think you should be very proud of yourself for wanting to do this. I, personally am not sure what drives people to run. I HATE it! I've been running on/off for 4 years now and can only run 1 1/2 miles and at the end of that I am dying. I hate it and I hate every step. I cannot fathom anyone actually enjoying running. But, to each their own. I wish someone could tell me how to enjoy it and how to get beyond the 1 1/2 miles. Maybe it just isn't for me. I'm so proud of you all for doing it though! Good luck and I know for sure you'll be running your marathon in March.

Good for you! Yes, new running shoes are the key to keeping yourself running happily. I try to change every 300 miles or so. Good luck in your training and let me know if you have any questions!