Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
To Marathon or Not to Marathon.....That is the Question
I told myself that I would never run a marathon, but since I am getting ready to turn 36 this month, I cannot get running a marathon out of my mind. I have already ran 2 half marathon's and my third will be the Shamrock this month. How much time would I have to allocate for proper training? Would the Suntrust be a good race for my first marathon? What are some common challenges that runners face? Thanks for the input in advance.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kato on -
I'd say you should give it a try, since you've done half marathons already. I ran the Richmond marathon in 2008, went through the Sportsbackers Marathon Training Team (an excellent program, especially for first-time marathoners). You'll devote 5 months to training. There were days when the long runs were hard, particularly in late summer, but in general, you have enough company and people cheering you on to keep spirits high. Plus, they supply refreshment every few miles, which is invaluable once you get into higher mileage.
The most important thing was to get in the long runs (Saturday/Sunday) and mid-week runs (usually half the distance of the long run), plus have proper footwear — I went through two pairs of shoes while training and wore fairly new shoes (but broken in) for race day. The biggest issues I had were not getting much sleep on Wednesdays, my mid-week run day, because I'd run at 5 a.m. or earlier, and just not having much energy after long runs, once we got above 15 miles. And you have to keep a close watch on how your body is feeling, being aware of potential injuries.
Suntrust is a good first marathon, and I especially liked being able to run in my hometown instead of traveling, sleeping in a strange bed and having to drive home after running. I'm really glad I did it!
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Permalink Reply by Richmond Road Runners on -
Nice response Kato. I think you covered all of the bases.
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Permalink Reply by Run Happy on -
Oh my Running Goddess friend….
You are correct, the decision to run a marathon should never be taken lightly.
Pros:
1) You have been running consistently for a couple years and built up a nice base.
2) Your running pace continues to improve
3) You have successfully run a few half marathons and are currently training for another.
4) Richmond has a proven marathon training program that has helped 100s/1,000s successfully complete their first marathon.
5) Awesome accomplishment
Cons:
1) Effort – just like running a Half Marathon, it takes effort and dedication to complete the training
2) Time – Running 4 – 6 days a week, every week from May – November, including Saturday and/or Sunday. Weekend runs can take upwards of 4-5 hours including pre & post run stretch/social….
3) Mileage – Novice program includes one 20 miler and the Intermediate has three 20 milers. Maximum weekly mileage – 50 miles (on those 20 miler weeks)
4) Injury – Even with a great training program and a runner like you starting with a great base and experience, the demands of marathon training comes with an increase chance of injury
Marathon selection –
There are so many marathons out there, but for a first marathon it is best to select a home marathon. A home marathon allows you to train over the course, sleep in your own bed, and not have to worry so much about logistics related to away races. I would highly recommend the SunTrust Richmond Marathon and the Sports Backers Marathon Training team, that is, if you decide to accept the challenge and run your first marathon.
Desire – The question that most comes to mind, what do you desire?
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Permalink Reply by Pete on -
I remember being there with the question of whether or not to run a marathon. You can get all the pro and cons you want but it looks to me like your answer will be yes. You can look to Run Happy for the logic and rationale of the decision, but this is not a rational decision, is it? I think you have already decided. The only rational part is figuring out if you can change your schedule to fit around the training hours. Do that and you are ready to go!
You have to join the Sportsbackers Marathon Training Team and you need to run Richmond. The coaches are the best and you make lots of new best friends. There will be a lot of runners on your sub team that will be running your pace and you will spend lots of hours getting to know each other. That long run on the weekend will be the best part of every week.
You have to be aware of the amount of time the training is going to take. You will have to change your schedule to accommodate the training time, especially after you get past the half marathon distance. The novice teams run 500+ miles, the intermediate teams run 700+ miles. That translates into a lot of hours. The training team provides all the support to get you through the miles. You will have to commit to the hours, weekdays as well as weekends.
You don’t really need to get answers to your questions about common problems, challenges, etc. You will get all the answers from your coaches and fellow runners week by week. The support and camaraderie of the training team is fabulous week after week. Then on marathon day there will be coaches supporting you all along the course. And, Richmond truly is “America’s Friendliest Marathon”. The crowds are great and very knowledgeable and even more so when you are a member of the training team.
And that feeling when you finish that first marathon…………….
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Permalink Reply by Don Garber on -
I think the prior responses are right on the mark. And there is quite a bit in the literature about doing your first marathon at home for the reasons given in the other responses.
The only additional thing I would add is that you need to get buy in from you family/ significant others, etc. They also need to be "with the program" as you will be devoting a lot of time and energy to get to the starting line.
You need to think of it as making a committment to do something and make sure you are 100% in the game. As I tell people, if you are getting married in the fall and are going back to night school and working full time, you may have too much on your plate for a fall marathon
Oh yeah, if you opt to do the long runs on Saturday, you can start thinking about how much you are going to miss Friday happy hours!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Cheryl on -
Oh no! I'm getting married and moving in the fall, and work full-time . . maybe I shouldn't do it?? but then if I didn't, maybe the nuptials wouldn't take place!
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Permalink Reply by David Klisz on -
If you can't get it out of your mind, then you should try to do it. I felt the same way before running my first marathon. I couldn't get it out of my mind so I had to try it. Now, several marathons later, I still feel the same way. I'm so glad I did it. I guess that's why I still do it.
It will change your life. Good or bad, it will change your life.
All of the other posts have great suggestions.
That's my two cents.
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Permalink Reply by Jeannine Uzel on -
Do it while you are young! I've run 2 and ended up injured both times. But, I'm older and slow. The Marathon Training Team is great, but I think the novice schedule is more suited to my injury prone body. Training also takes a lot of family negotiation- of not just running time but those ever pesky chore/childcare/who walks the dog issues. I think running the home course relieves some of the pressure. If you find your body can't handle the extra mileage, it's much easier to be honest with yourself if you haven't booked and paid for a hotel, travel, etc. I've learned the hard way to listen to my body and not push through the injuries- and end up taking more time to heal from new injuries created from limping off the old injuries.
That said- there is nothing like the feeling of finishing a marathon and feeling that sore, tired, elated feeling of "I did it!"
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Permalink Reply by Todor Radoulov on -
Running Goddess:
After such an overwhelming feedback you are left with no choice but go ahead and do it! I did my first one in 2008 locally in Richmond and couldn't have done it without the Sportsbacker's Marathon Training Team. I sitll run with a couple of the people I met then and now we are such great friends like family. Words can't describe the feeling when you cross the finish line for the first time and say to yourself "I did it!"
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Permalink Reply by SouthSide Devin(Gary) Haskins on -
Kato definitely hit the nail on the head. I've run two marathon's, both were the Suntrust . The people are absolutely great. The training program that Sports backers run is a must if your a virgin marathoner. During both of my marathon experiences I had major cramping that almost caused me to quit. Each time I started to quit there was someone who came up beside me and encourage me to continue. Like the post before mines said. If your physically capable to do it . Its definitely a must
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie M. on -
Just wanted to chime in to say that Richmond is a great first marathon. My first marathon was not Richmond, but it was my second. I had trained all summer with MTT and like others said, it was great not having to deal with hotels, the Metro/transportation issues, etc. Course familiarity proved to be extremely beneficial for me. With MTT, you pretty much run the Richmond Marathon course in increments and that proved to be more helpful for me (mentally) than I ever realized it would be. MTT is a great organization. I met some really great people and have some great friendships as a result! If you can make it work in your schedule, go for it!!!
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