London marathon?

[SleepyWitch]

Hey guys,
I spontaneously decided I want to take part in the London marathon next year... well, maybe.
Has any of you guys ever run a marathon? Hey, Claes, old geezer, didn't you use to run?
At the moment, I can't go jogging because a) the weather is miserable and b) I've got a bronchitis. But I hope I can start training next week. I read it takes half a year of training for beginners who'd just like to take part for the fun of it.
42 km sounds daunting :cold: but seeing as you gradually increase the distance during training, I think I'll manage.
I took up jogging last autum and did 3x 6 km some weeks.
Anyone care to join me? How's about a LitNet team? ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon

[Niamh]

I'd come over and join you but i dont do running. Best of luck though!

[SleepyWitch]

hehe, you could come over to cheer me on :)
or to have a laugh when I give up after 2 miles :p

[Niamh]

might do! I'll be the one with the banner going "you can do it Sleepy!"

[Chava]

When is it? I might come to cheer for you :) And grab a pint or three after!

[SleepyWitch]

probably in April 2010.
So if I start training next week, I'll be in top shape this autumn, then laze around over the winter and be way too fat and sluggish to run in April 2010 :( bah, it's not gonna work out :(

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Has any of you guys ever run a marathon? Hey, Claes, old geezer, didn't you use to run?Yes, I did. It's been a while though: The last time I did a Marathon was in... 1986! Time flies when you're having fun :rolleyes:

42 km is indeed daunting, but I'm sure you'll manage just fine as long if you shrug things like "a)" off and pay close attention to things like "b)": As long as you are well, miserable weather should be disregarded. Running with an infection in your system is different: It is both harmful and counter-productive. I hope you get well soon, and back on track.

Some hints: A soft track is fine when you are building your stamina, but make sure that you get used to hard surfaces before the race: Your knees will not thank you if you make the switch too late. Your running style is equally important: You'll need to make it as "economical" as possible, both to conserve your energy, and to lessen the impact of each step.

And hey: Good luck :thumbs_up

/Claes

[Virgil]

I don't know Sleepy. If you haven't been a runner it doesn't strike me as feasible that with just six months you can work up to a marathon. But have fun. I don't see the harm in trying, and since you are a swimmer perhaps you already start at a fit state. Just listen to your body is my only advice.

[kasie]

Sleepy - I don't think this is something you can do on your own. Running a Marathon isn't just running for 26 miles (you're running in England, so it will be miles - and it sounds less than 42km!) it's pacing yourself for that time and distance. I think you have to show you are in training when you apply to take part in the event, so you may have to sign up with a trainer or a club. My trainer (:D - yes, I have one!) is running in London again this year: he is FIT, he runs 10km at weekends for fun, he is fanatical about his diet and training regime - and he runs carrying a giant daffodil to show he is part of the Welsh contingent.... He is a model to us all - but I don't think I'll be ready for the Race for Life, a mere 5km, let alone a Marathon, this year - again - and I would be walking it, I'm not supposed to run, impact on the new joints is not recommended. But I will gladly support you, should you decide to go ahead.

[sprinks]

Sheesh, 42km!! You are one brave woman for sure!
Well, I already have sympathy pains :lol: my physio used to tell me all about how the pain I feel in my knees just from walking is like what a marathon runner feels after a marathon. But anywho, happy thoughts! :p You can do it!! :D

[SleepyWitch]

Sleepy - I don't think this is something you can do on your own. Running a Marathon isn't just running for 26 miles (you're running in England, so it will be miles - and it sounds less than 42km!) it's pacing yourself for that time and distance. I think you have to show you are in training when you apply to take part in the event, so you may have to sign up with a trainer or a club. My trainer (:D - yes, I have one!) is running in London again this year: he is FIT, he runs 10km at weekends for fun, he is fanatical about his diet and training regime - and he runs carrying a giant daffodil to show he is part of the Welsh contingent.... He is a model to us all - but I don't think I'll be ready for the Race for Life, a mere 5km, let alone a Marathon, this year - again - and I would be walking it, I'm not supposed to run, impact on the new joints is not recommended. But I will gladly support you, should you decide to go ahead.
thanks kasie, I didn't know that. I read anyone can take part. Most participants just do it for fun, not to win or break a record or anything, just to finish. I knew a guy who ran marathons and all he did for training was to jog 4 km a day and practice the long run once in a while. I can do 6km 3 times a week without any trouble whatsoever.
Wasn't there this woman who was dying of cancer and running the marathon or some other race?
Anyway, I'll definitely check it out and try to find a (bogus) team or trainer if I'm still serious about it later on.

edit to add:
hum, I checked. There is an entry ballot and you have to give the time of your best completed full marathon, but it doesn't say anything about a trainer or team.

Don’t wait until then and start training now! If you’re new to running, you are best advised to go to your doctor for a medical and when you get the all clear embark on a light programme for the next few weeks before starting to follow a marathon training plan..
sounds like anyone can take part :) So I can start training as soon as possible and take part in the entry ballot for 2010. If I'm not lucky, I can still enter the ballot for 2011 and so on, right?

[SleepyWitch]

there's a half marathon in my town on June 28. Claes, do you think it's realistic to register for it and start training next week or the week after when I'm rid of that stupid bronchitis?

[ClaesGefvenberg]

there's a half marathon in my town on June 28. Claes, do you think it's realistic to register for it and start training next week or the week after when I'm rid of that stupid bronchitis?I don't know what kind of shape you are currently in, but I certainly think so.

As long as your objective is to finish the race without too much suffering rather than making a certain time, there should not be much of a problem. You can start right now by doing daily stretching which will serve you well later, but please make sure that the bronchitis really is gone before you actually start running. In fact, I suggest daily walks for a couple of days to get your body going.

Most of those races have a maximum time limit that nigh on allows you to finish them by walking the entire course, albeit at a brisk clip. ;)

/Claes

[SleepyWitch]

I don't know what kind of shape you are currently in, but I certainly think so.

As long as your objective is to finish the race without too much suffering rather than making a certain time, there should not be much of a problem. You can start right now by doing daily stretching which will serve you well later, but please make sure that the bronchitis really is gone before you actually start running. In fact, I suggest daily walks for a couple of days to get your body going.

Most of those races have a maximum time limit that nigh on allows you to finish them by walking the entire course, albeit at a brisk clip. ;)

/Claes
thanks :)
yeah, I think with this one the course stays open for quite a while.. at least for the marathon it stays open all day, but I'm not sure about the half marathon, will check again. Bleh, there's also a 10 km "popular" race where even 10 year old kids can take part and you can take forever to finish. Why isn't there something in between 10 km and the half-marathon. 15 km would be cool.

[manolia]

Hey sleepy sounds fun :)
Recently i started working out and i feel great..best of luck..marathon requires great effort :thumbs_up