Is it feasible to train for a marathon in 15 weeks? I've just run a 1:55 half-marathon with no training
I signed up for a half marathon (there were half + full marathon races for the same event), taking place in April '16, and started training last week (Around 13 December). I'm not a regular runner (or exerciser in general), but I think I'm naturally physically inclined towards cardio activities. [Early 20s, male, 60-70kg, 170-180cm.]
As part of some 'beginner to half marathon' schedule I'm following, I went for few 3milers throughout the week, and then yesterday went for a 5 miler.
But I ended up running a full 13.2mi because I was feeling pretty comfortable. Running a fairly easy, steady pace, I finished in 1hr 55mins. I was tired but happy, and not completely exhausted.
Bearing in mind I was training to simply finish a half marathon, I'm now slightly concerned that I set my goalposts too far apart. I want a target that is hard to achieve but feasible with enough training, and a bit of mental fairy dust.
So: Could I feasibly switch to running a full marathon in a respectable time (which would be more of an impressive achievement in my eyes), with 15 weeks of training? If so, would I be looking to simply finish, or could I probably try a good time?
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By the looks of it you are doing pretty good for yourself and yes age is on your side. If you have mental strength and strong will power that go for it. Remember you are young only once so try it as hard as possible.
Train with proper plan and vision, focus is the key. Put on some kickass motivational music of your preference and practice hard, also get involved in some kind of strength exercises as 15 weeks is long enough to take your fitness and stamina to a new level.
Also lot of people don't know much about proper nutrition and recovery so start gaining some knowledge about it. Whether you run this one or run till you are 80 these insights and knowledge will help in the longer run (pun :P). If you want to master it think like an athlete and eat like an athlete.
First you should make sure you are not over doing in in your training, but having said that if your long run is at 13 miles then yes you can do a Marathon in 15 weeks. Ideally you want 16-18 weeks for training, but if you are already running 13 miles in sub 2 hours you are in decent shape.
You should look at a Marathon training plan with a goal of around 4 hours. Look at you 1/2 marathon time and punching in the numbers www.mcmillanrunning.com/ you should finish in 4:02 which is a respectable number.
You only need to remember that 13 miles is much easier than 26 miles and you really learn how you feel after 20 miles. (The real half way point!)
If you look at this plan, www.halhigdon.com/training/51142/Marathon-Advanced-2-Training-Program then you are already a quarter of the way there. Just be careful not to ramp up you milage to quickly or you could get injured.
Remember to practice you fueling and hydration during your weekend long runs.
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