Hi,

I am 21, have recently quit smoking, (Over 2 months now :-) and on average undergo physical exercise once a month! However, I am slim, and feel pretty fit.

After watching the marathon and having a friend compete I am really keen to give it go. Am I being unrealistic to think I can compete in 2009?

If not, then could anyone point in the right direction, may be some good websites that offer good training schedules and dietary suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Well it will involve a lot of hard work to get to marathon standard in one year.....and if you haven't logged onto the FLM site already then you may not get in...but have a look at other related threads about this.

Best idea is to get out there and start doing some short runs...not too long and not too fast. Buy the right pair of running shoes from a specialist running shop and join a running club where you'll be guided and supported by experienced runners.

All power to Steves...!!

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It's finally happened.....

Hi Steve87,
It can be done. I did it last year aged 40 after 15 years of physical neglect. The best advice I can give is to forget about doing it in a fast time - as it's your first attempt, just aim to finish it. I got a bit obsessed with doing a sub 4 hour marathon - it took a long time and a lot of injuries for me to finally realise that my body just wasn't capable of going that fast for so long.
You can find loads of training schedules on the ol' interweb - Halhigdon.com has one to suit every level.

Good luck

Slowsteve

As I'm a Steve as well, thought I would reply!!
Yes you can run it in 2009, as other Steve says, build up slowly but enter now rather than later as it will help to motivate you.
Don't worry about trying to run a time, just enjoy the experience. I ran it when I was 18 and it was one of the best things I've ever done.

Indeed it's quite possible, just as long as you're not worried about achieving a specific time

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How many members name Steve ?????

Steve 87
I stopped smoking and started running two years ago aged 41. I am still 14.5 stone (just made that way) and did my first marathon on Sunday.
Look at joining a local running club and take it from there. It changed my world for the better.
Don't expect to run long distances to start with. Begin with short runs and enjoy it.
.

Great effort Dale.

An impressive time indeed..............



.

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Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.

Thanks everyone, i was dead impressed, 6 replies so quickly!

I am not sure if I am going to go for the 2009 or 2010 yet, I have however signed up for the Windsor Half Marathon which should be fun.

Thanks

Windsor is good...quite a fast course from memory. Is it still sponsored by a building company?

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It's finally happened.....

Enter for 2009, and if you're lucky rnough to get a place but decide against it - I think you can defer your entry to 2010... probably worth doing seeing as there's no surefire way to guarantee you'll get in in 2010 through normal entry!

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A half marathon is still a long way. Train well, enjoy the run, don't bother with a target time, and give yourself a big pat on the back when you finish.
Let us know how you get on.

Hi Steve87

Welcome to RF, good luck with your training and I hope you get into FLM 2009.

The Windsor Half will give you a great insight into the kind of training you will need to do for a marathon.

TT

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

I didn't know you could apply and then defer a year. Does anyone know if that is definitely that case. It would be great if it is, because I could have a stab at training for a year, and when it comes around, if im still not ready. . . I can have a another years prep!

Just went out for my first ever jog to see exactly how unfit I am, and I managed just under a mile, IM EXHAUSTED! (Got a long way to go! ! !)

Cheers every1.

I only mentioned it as I've heard of people deferring their entry... no idea on details of it or anything though i'm afraid!

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