Ask The Penguin: How Soon to Run a Marathon

Dear Penguin

I am a 27 year old female and about 60 pounds heavier than my ultimate goal weight (165). I’m in the final week of the 8 week “learn how to be a runner” program from Runner’s World, with much success and no injuries. I also do some cross-training – either swimming or strength training about once a week.

I’ve lost about 10 lbs, and last weekend my long run was 3.5 miles at a 14 minutes/mile pace. (I’m definitely built for endurance and not for speed… yet.) I’m signed up to do a 5k in just over a week – on my 28th birthday! I figured that was a worthy goal.

My long range goals for the summer include a 10k in June as a stepping stone for a 15k then end of July. After a full week off, there’s still 14 weeks to train session for a 1/2 marathon on October 31st. That’s a full seven months of training before I actually run the 1/2. Is this too optimistic?

I know everyone says get a year of training under your belt before attempting a marathon, but would it be out of line to consider a marathon in mid-May 2011 with a friend of mine? Or should I train to run it as a second 1/2 while she runs the full?

First off, congratulations on what you’ve already accomplished. It sounds like you’re doing everything right.

If you’re adding distance and time to your runs and not having any problems then I’d say seven months to a 1/2 marathon isn’t too optimistic. You’ll need to continue to be very careful to not push your body too much, but, as long as you’re careful I don’t see a problem.

As for the marathon in May of 2011, the same advice holds there. IF, and it’s a big if, you can slowly continue to add time and distance without pain then you should be fine What I would suggest is that after the half marathon you take some down time to recover both physically and mentally from the training and then start a marathon training program [Coach Jenny’s in Marathoning for Mortals for example].

The only caveat is to be cautious not to let your enthusiasm get ahead of your ability. Remember that the real goal is to be able to run for the rest of your life.

Waddle on, John

John “the Penguin” Bingham, Competitor Magazine columnist Author, The Courage to Start, No Need for Speed, Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals.

Have a question for John? E-mail it to thepenguin@johnbingham.com.