ShufflingSista

I would skip the marathon altogether and run one next year instead. Running a marathon unprepared is asking for an injury. 18 weeks is not enough time for proper preparation.

Hi Sasha- I guess I should clarify. I start my OFFICIAL training plan next week. But I have been running for a few years and just ran the Hurricane Half earlier this month, so I think I'll be ready for the Marathon later this year. I have a pretty good base of 15-20 miles a week. Although I have been slacking off since the 1/2 and need to get my miles back up which I plan to do this week. I want to be doing at least 20 miles a week...

You ROCK!!! I know you can do it! You have been running for **7** yrs now and have just done another half. You'll be ready! Go for it!!!

Shuffle on Sista!!!

Bryce, Christi - I learned of the years of running that there is a big difference between CAN and SHOULD. For example, if I wanted some sensational publicity, I could run a Boston Qualifier 6 days a week for a year. So could many other runners. But this would come at a cost to the long-term development.

So yes, with a 15-20 miles a week base you can finish a marathon even right now. Some people jump in a marathon with no more training than occasional runs and basketball, and still manage to finish. But this is not a good idea for your health sake, not to mention the fact that your finisher medal deep down would not mean the same to you.

I am strongly opposed to the idea of cram training. On the physical side, it interferes with a healthy training process and leads to injuries. On the mental side, it leads to either falsely high expectations and disappointment from the failure to reach them for some people, or, for others, low goals that are easily reached but not without a feeling deep down that you have cheated yourself.

For your long-term development, I would recommend slowly building a base that reaches 50 miles a week, holding it for a few months, and once you are comfortable, find a marathon and taper for it (rather than train). This approach will most likely give you a Boston Qualifier along with huge PRs in shorter distances.

Sasha- I think I see your point, the more training the better. Esp. to race a marathon. Really I've steered clear of marathons the last few years because I think I may be more of a short distance runner. I really enjoy bettering my PR in 5k & 10ks and trying to place in my age division. Which I have been able to pull off a few times. But I really want to run a marathon and I'm not looking for a PR this time. I do have a goal time I'm shooting for, but its nothing exciting. Thanks for always pushing me to be the best runner I can be!

Even for a 5 K the optimum performance is reached at no less than 40 miles a week. Many elite 5 K runners run as many miles as a marathoner. Their speed work is just more intense, and their long runs are shorter and faster. But regardless of what distance you want to run, if it is more than 800 meters, base is absolutely critical and it has to be more than 15-20 miles a week with occasional bursts to 40.