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I was a first-time marathoner in 2012 and I found Hal Higdon's site very useful. http://www.halhigdon.com/

FWIW, training for a marathon isn't too complicated. Start at least 18 weeks beforehand. Run about 10-11 miles during the week and do one long run on the weekend, building up to 20 miles two weeks before your race.



2013 Chicago - Oct 13; 2013 NYC - Nov 3

I did 4 marathons, 200lb guy with 5hr finish times. 3 Marine Corps and 1 Big Sur. I enjoyed each and every race, except my first. but I would take that painful race again anytime.

Tip for back-to-back marathons: Based on my experience, two back-to-back is a killer. I would NEVER enjoy NYC after running chicago, if chicago is going to be your first. Again.. this is my experience and I would never do it. But some people are driven and they are able to do it.

For Training: HalHigdon is best and simple.. The way I do every time is, take 18 wk plan, and stretch it to 36 weeks.. that way, each week is repeated twice.

As you have lot of time (you might think ;), make sure you include Weight Training and Speed Training. Helps a lot.

Take lots of breaks, even when you are a 7min miler. http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Tr...

btw.. get off the phone, and enjoy the Race, Scenery and Crowds.


+1000 for this.

I used Hal Higdon's programs, Novice 1 for my first marathon, Intermediate 1 for my second, Advanced 1 for my third. Followed them almost exactly.

3:40 for my first marathon, down to 3:10 for a Boston qualifier on my third; I'm extremely pleased with those results.

If you're still excited after 3 marathons, then I would tell you to jump over to letsrun.com and look for advice there.


The Hal Higdon plans are renowned and come highly recommended.

I'm using his half marathon plan for my first half mara and training is proceeding nicely. The pace feels right.


I'll second the Hal Higdon plan. I ran my first marathon in 2009 and followed the plan almost to the T.




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