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Anonymous
I know it's a VERY long shot buuutttt...
Have any of you ever actually ran in a marathon?
I joined my school's XC and Track team just for the sake of playing sports and having something to do, and getting in shape. One year in, I love running. I even love watching running, I can watch a whole marathon and not get bored, I think it is awesome.
I'm <18 so I can't participate myself, and even if I was, I sure as hell wouldn't even try it because there's no way I'd be able to last more than 10 miles.
Within the next few years though, I'm going to get more and more serious, and one of my biggest goals is to compete in a marathon - it's one of the ultimate tests of fitness and to complete it is an epic feat.

So - has anyone ever done it? What's it like? How did you train for it? How'd you do?
>> Anonymous
I did a seven mile section in a relay marathon with no training, but that hardly qualifies me.

As a generally /fit/ person, though, here's my advise.

I'd run three times a week, starting at ten then finishing Friday with 12.

Next week, Eleven two days, then 13.

Next, 12, 14.

The extra two miles isn't much, and the next week you'll run shorter distances, and it'll feel easier. Just push yourself on Fridays.

But regardless, it's all psychological. If you can run about 15, you can run about 24.

Watch joint wear though. Get proper shoes if you're that into running, and run on softer surfaces. Build yourself up slowly, too, so joints and bones don't decide to conk out. Do some research on a safe amount of running per week so you don't have problems later on in life.

Learn proper nutrition (in a nutshell, tons of lukewarm water beforehand (absorbs easier), electrolyte drinks afterwards (Make your own with half water, half OJ, pinch of salt), and possibly carb-loading. The verdict's out on that though, I think. It's been a while since I've read.

If you're in decent shape (and it sounds like you are), expect to take 3-4 months to get marathon-ready. Don't run two days before the marathon.
>> Anonymous
>>278176

I run 7 days a week, except the occasional off day where I just don't feel like it. (So once every 2-3 weeks).
I run anywhere from 5-10 miles on these days, depending on what I'm supposed to that day (I'm just going according to the XC schedule really). And I do it around ~7:30/mile pace. Thing is, I had started my Freshman year and I totally sucked, and my 5k times were like 22 minutes. I worked my ass off at it though and am now Varsity in my Sophomore year, so I'm doing much more rigorous workouts. The most mileage I've done straight was like 8 miles at ~8:00 pace. Clearly I'm not ready for a marathon, but I don't plan on running one for a few years. I was just hoping to get some experience and tips from people who have been there. Thanks for the reply.