[Pek]

Title says it all, I'm going to complete a marathon this summer. Not sure which one, because I've effectively missed Boston's. But location's not really an issue, the most important thing is being able to do the 27 miles. (I've really let myself go and can barely do 2 at the moment.)

So, I'll be posting my progress in this thread daily.

[CharlieChaplin]

Good luck matey! Keep us posted!

Whats your plan of action for training?

[Pek]

I'm starting off by getting back into relatively healthy shape with some light workouts, then I'm going to follow Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Guide. If I find myself doing particularly well I'll jump ahead a week or two.

Marathon qualifying time is a little over 3 hours, so I'd like to be running sub-7min miles for the most part during training.


Today was my first day of training, my girlfriend and I did approximately 3.4 miles at a light pace.

[Pek]

I've been having a little trouble getting out to run since Monday, due to it being dark out when I get out of work, I was able to jog a mile or so during my lunch breaks but that's about it.

Today I woke up around 6 to run before work. I did about 4.2 miles at an 8 minute mile pace. My cardio was ok, but my calfs were getting pretty sore. I think I'll try switching out the vibrams for a pair of regular running shoes on days when I run on pavement or when my calfs feel tight.

My short term goal is to be waking up earlier to run and to be up to at least 6 miles at an 8 minute pace by next Friday.

[Felixxx]

Best of success, man

[Pek]

Update: I actually met my goal that Friday, but then proceeded to slack off. I'm back in motion and have an 8 mile run on the 21st.

[rephore]

Congratulations!  The longest I've run was 3.5 miles, non stop.  But I did 7 miles with lots of walking in there.

I think it is awesome that running is getting popular. 

[z]

Good luck with the journey.  What marathon are you going to do?  Let me know if you need any advice or tips as I love running and have plenty of experience doing it. 

[Pek]

It depends where I am once I hit the 27 mile mark, but most likely the Boston marathon or the ING marathon in New York. Right now I've plateaued at just under 12 miles unfortunately, so I'm trying to work through that.

[z]

So for Boston you have to run 3:10 or faster to qualify (assuming you are under 30 years old).  New York is already sold out unless you run for a charity and raise a few thousand dollars.  So just keep working hard and pluggin away and maybe run a smaller marathon first.  You gotta be consistent though.  That is the key.  Good luck

[Tynan]

What's the status on this?

[Pek]

I didn't register in time for the Boston Marathon, but mid-october I finally made the 26.2 miles in 2 hours 58 minutes. Which was what was most important for me. Sorry I hadn't been updating, I don't really go on the forum anymore, still read the blog though.

[Teddi B Poetic]

congrats on hitting that goal! I'm trying to get in shape for my first 5k right now (considerably less than you, lol). are you still running? did you run a marathon this summer?