Why Beginners Should NEVER Run Marathons 

3 years of running and I finally felt strong enough for a half marathon. Completed my first yesterday, in my goal time. 2 hours 20 minutes.

After 2 blood cancers im going for my 1st Half Marathon this October xD .. not even aiming for sub 2hrs, just fun running long ..

This is spot on. I made this mistake, feeling sedentary, achy, and old at 33 in 2010, I entered a marathon in attempt to kick start my life. I was in pain for months of training, and got through it (3h 43) through sheer bloody mindedness. Took me three weeks afterwards to be able to walk properly. After that I started to learn all the things that would have indicated that this should have been a longer process. Ran other marathons in 2012 and 2014 but I never nailed the discipline. Since then, I've taken the long road, running 10ks and half marathons and really investing in the process. I've finally entered a marathon for next year - a ten year gap - and, I think, I'm finally ready for it.

I started running consistently 1 year ago. So far i got my 5k time down from 28 mins to 21:32, my 10k from 1:05 struggling to finish the distance, to 44:12, and ran my first Half Marathon race finishing in 1:38, so i think i'm ready for a Marathon debut next year!

A timely video for me. Two weeks ago, I had to face reality and drop O out of the Marine Corps Marathon. I've been back to running regularly since last fall and thought 7 months would be plenty of time to prepare. But as my distances started to get over 15-16km, I found I was walking more and more. And skipping runs. And worse, I stopped looking forward to the race and started to look forward to it being behind me. I need a longer term perspective, to love the process.

Training for my first marathon. Love the process and the challenge. Can’t wait to compete in December!

I had run a summer many years ago and ran a 10k and quit running. I started to walk to lose weight and started running and was up to about 5 miles in one stretch. A coworker talked me into training in to a marathon. I started training in January and ran my first marathon in May and hit my goal of sub 4 hours. I literally had to crawl up my stairs for a week after but I was addicted. I'm training for my 6th now and shooting for 3:15. I wish I would have started smaller and worked my way up. I've learned so much over the years and now it's a much more enjoyable process.

Going on 3 years of running consistently. Longest run is 16 miles. I want to do the marathon some day. Maybe I will maybe I won't and I'm ok with that. Just happy to be able to run. 👍🏼👍🏼 If I remember correctly, Happy Birthday Mr Ben 🙂🙂

I’ve been enjoying your videos. Appreciate how you weave your life experiences in (in genuinely relevant and valuable ways).

Thank you for the coaching and inspiration.

While I do have one marathon under my belt, the guidance about not rushing the process still felt applicable. I would ultimately like to reach a Good For Age level as that seems my best chance of getting into the majors (rather than relying on the slim chance of the ballot), but I don’t want to rush it and put too much pressure on myself. Having completed my first marathon in 4h 26m, my current target for the second one is sub 4 hours.

Ty Ben! Blessings to you and Mary.

I love you channel. I’ve been running nearly a year and recently found your channel. Your love of running shines through 😊

Thanks for this video. I have been running consistantly for over a year, but have been running here and there for 14 years. I had signed up for a marathon this october but got plantar fasciitis along the way- it is 95% healed now. I wasn't even really sad... I learned so, so much this year, and love running even more. But your video rammed the message home: there's no rush. Without knowing, I had developed this notion that I needed to run a marathon now, before becoming a parent, but I realise now that I have all my life to try and do it, especially because I'm not aiming at a particular time. Thanks, it takes the time pressure off!

This video really resonates with me! Got a ballot entry to London 2023 and began training and quit - injury and it becoming cold and rainy over the winter. Had some base fitness from patchy cycle commute so showed up at the start line. Was ok to about mile 18 and really struggled but crawled over the finish line just under 6 hours! Been motivated to run ever since - more consistency in training and completed an Ultra which was slow but found to be less physically stressful. I hope to continue running - loving the Ultra distances right now.

Love your videos! Would love to see one on how to know you aren't a beginner any more.

Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. With experience, we can look back with clear vision and see the mistakes we have made, but for those of us who are 'baby runners' and have nothing to look back on - your insight and advice is worth its weight in gold.

Great relatable video again😊 Only thing i would add from my own experience is that "enjoying the process" wasn't always enough to get me out of the door when i started running. I was doing it to get fit and to help lose a bit if weight and that was my motivation, but i certainly wasnt enjoying running back then. Hard to say at what point that changed for me and it bacame a habit for me, running has become the "why" and all the other stuff is just happy side effects - for sure now it is a part of who i am. But it did take a while for me to really "enjoy" myself out there😂

Hey! Wanted to say thank you for making this great content. Today I finished my first half marathon at Disney - and you all have been a key for me gain tip, great thoughts (like fueling during the race) and for the great plan you released! It worked and I finished. Now to find the next one.

Love the message of the video ❤ training for my first marathon after 10 years of consistent running and 20 of less regular running. I just can't imagine that I can't run, so I try to grind steady not to get injured, so I don't go crazy 😂 My goal is to be the granny that still is running

I am glad it took me 8 years to do my first marathon. I had a great coach and group of experienced friends to drag me through the lows and celebrate the highs. I survived NYC 2022. Great course. May your weather be more favorable.

Bloody hard is right! I was training for another marathon , my first was three yrs ago. I dropped down to a half this year as I felt I couldn’t do my best. I wasn’t injured, but the really long runs were harder than usual. I took a step back and found that I needed to get my asthma in control. Glad I figured it out. I’ll be stronger next year. Thanks for your awesome advice! You are a fab couple!!

I’m a beginner so that’s why I’m here! Started exercising after a health scare 3 years ago. As a fat 198 lbs 46y male, even after 3 marathons I still feel like a total noob! Thanks Ben & lovely Mary for being with my running journey & best of luck for NYC!

30 year old, started running 15 weeks ago, have a good condition as I trained 5 days a week. Have my first marathon in 1 week. Will update afterwards ;)

It's been a year since I started running, so I still count as a beginner. I've run two half marathons since then and am running my first full marathon in a month and a half. I'm super excited but also very anxious. I know I won't be racing for a good time, just wanting to finish it. Fingers crossed!

Really appreciate your channel. Been running on and off last 7 years but the last 2 years is when I really started to identify as a runner and gained the consistency. Would like to emphasize the mental game/struggle in relation to the type of race you're signing up for. I've done road half marathons with 50.000+ contestants with all that comes with it, music, the crowd etc. In comparison I did my first trail Marathon recently which was 150 participants. Completely different experiences and for me I struggled more with the mental game on the half vs the full. Remember to enjoy the ride, hey you're not going to win anyway ;)

Thanks a lot, Ben! I started running (seriously) three months ago. I have been running 4 times a week since and enjoy the process and progress. My longest run was 16k so far - and fine. I ran my first race yesterday, and it was fine. I had the idea of registering for a marathon that's in 6 months from now. I assume I could even keep on training consistently and then finish the marathon in April. But your video made me decide against registering for the marathon - not against training for it anyway though :-) Thanks again, Ben! You're making a difference!

I am training for my first marathon since IM FL 2008. I love training and being out with my yorkie 🏃‍♂️. He and I recently completed my longest run since 08. You gotta enjoy the process!

Good advice, we’ll done.

I can testify from experience. I entered the 2016 London marathon having never really ran , got in , trained for 3 months, did manage to complete it but did not run again until last year ! Now running on a regular basis (training properly) and feel much better for it , completed 2 half marathons this year and hope to do a full marathon next year

Getting to the start line! Yes, thank you! We had one guy in our training group, who had run in the past, 20 years ago, but never a marathon. He made all the mistakes: going out to fast, not doing dynamic stretching as a warm up, etc, even mocking me when I suggested we do warm ups together as a group. He boasted he wanted to do two 20 milers when our plan just suggested one. He felt good at 6 miles, and lacked the experience of what his body feels like at mile 10 and up! As soon as our long runs went to double digit miles, it was all over for him. He cramped at mile 8 and then injured himself. Done. No, I did not tell him “ told you so” , it was tempting though 😂

Loved the video! Really got me thinking. Also made me feel a little bit bad, when you said don't do it to beat your brother (as that is absolutely one of my motivations - but only because he keeps banging on about it!). I am very much a beginner, but as an older runner, I'm trying to condense the process a little... started with parkruns (done 50 since last october), moved on to 5k and 10k races, now training for my first half (race). Then first marathon in May and an ultra, plus more events after that. Very aware of the injury issues, so lots of what I do is about keeping running and not getting hurt. To be honest, I think I am going quick (about 6 months ahead of my plan), but it'll be 1 and a half years of prep before I get to the start line - so not too bad! I think that if I'd done a 12 week training block from scratch for a marathon I would be a) injured b) unfit c) demotivated d) slow e) convinced that running was bad for my health and well-being!

First race after one year as a brand new runner: marathon. Went great, had an amazing time! But the result: ankle stress fracture (didn't know til two weeks after). Currently training for my second marathon in November. My body is exhausted and I'm not even looking forward to this race anymore. I was considering downgrading to the half and everything you've said here.. think I'm leaning even more in that direction. I LOVE running and don't want to lose that love or get injured again. Thanks so much for this timely video! 🙏

Started hiking ~2013. Did that off and on for years but got more consistent in early 2019. When COVID hit, other forms of sport and exercise got shut down, so I hiked every day. Started trail running to up the challenge. When the days got shorter in the fall, I tried road running since I didn't have to take the time to get to the trail. By Christmas I was doing 5k pretty easily. Next fall I challenged myself to 30 days of 10ks. Ended up doing it for much longer. Joined a running club in Spring 22 and did my first unofficial half marathon with them in May. Second with them in December. First official half this past spring. First 25k in August. Second official half will be next weekend. And I'm tentatively planning for my first full marathon just under a year from now. It's a pretty flat course and I have several friends who tend to run it who can help me pace myself and keep going.

After training since 2020 tomorrow is my first full marathon, and I’m super excited 😜

I’ve ran for 5 years I ran 20 miles Christmas Day just gone. I’ve been training for nine months and I’ve just completed a 30mile ultra unsupported. You can’t fake training. epic video messy happy

I needed this video. I’ve been running again since December coming out of long covid and after a decade of not running at all. Last month I signed up for one of those runs where you just complete as many circuits as you can in 6 hours. I made it to 25 km and my ankles, joints, muscles, everything, was just done. Utter mush. Thanks to you I’ll stick with my goal of training longer so i can run a marathon when I’m 42 years old 😊 Edit: typos

Sitting here hurt and have a half coming up in November. I have only been running since May but have covered that distance already in 2:01:37. At mile 10 today my foot failed me. Sitting on the couch waiting to go to the doc and I see this video😢. Felt great the whole run too, hoping for a good prognosis. BTW running has been my mental health medicine, I will be back, it’s the only thing that has ever worked for me. I have been the most balanced I have ever been in years over these last 5 months.

My advice take a year minimum to train for marathon. Get 12 week training program then train for 40 weeks to run that program. Lots of LSD running building mileage so that the distance isn't the issue. Run slow. In fact my first marathon was more because my long run over the years got progressively longer such that it was near marathon distance.

I (22m) finally started running in may of 2023. I was in horrible shape by my own standards being 5’11/235 lbs. I started because I pressured one of my friends who was an avid runner to finally do an ultra, and for some reason I told him I’d run it with him. I had 5 months to be ready 😅. About 3 weeks after I started I ran my first half marathon, and 2 weeks later did it again. In august I impulse ran a technical 50k in New Hampshire and had an incredible experience. When the goal race finally came up I not only finished but far surpassed my expectations on how I would do. It’s hooked me and I already am training and planning future races. I still haven’t “run a marathon” but I would really like to at some point. I also feel the need to say that I don’t think I’d recommend my initial approach, and the only reason I never got injured was luck, consistent stretching, not leaving out lifting, and being young. I love the running community, and they inspire me every day to be better.

This is spot on! Started my running journey in 2016, did several half marathon, but still no marathon to this day. Throughout the years I build up a solid weekly mileage, I’m up to 90km/weeks this year. Never felt so strong, I run years without injury, 5-6 years running strong, 2024 = 42km

I ran the 1992 London marathon. Because I worked for the London borough of Southwark, i had a guaranteed place. I was talked into running the marathon by work colleagues just 3 weeks before the race. I hadn't done any running at all. I ran for 3 weeks. On the day I ran the first 20 miles fairly comfortably. The next 2 miles were getting hard. Then I hit the wall. And slowed to a snails pace. Finishing in 4 hours 9 minutes. No injuries. Not even a blister. Pretty sore of course. Looking back, i just dont know how I was able to do it.

Great video but so glad you didn’t make this 2.5 years ago! I am that guy. Fluked a London ballot place and went from couch to my first race being the marathon. In reverse, it means I have never been worried about halfs and yes, I kept going and running is one of the biggest parts of life. But I also with more experience totally understand what you are saying. Would I change anything though…not a bit!

This year was begging journey Doing marathons and so I’m attempting my 3rd marathon this year- Boston BQ- not bad for 44yrs old after not running 13-15yrs of not competing 🖤🏁

I think i ran my first marathon when I was a rookie at long distance running in October 2021. I was so stubborn I ran it while injured. So I salute those who decide not to run due to injury-related reasons. My first marathon experience was followed by 4 months of not running due to further injury. I did my second marathon in February 2023, with no injury. It was an amazing experience and I did not pick up injuries from that race. I'm set to take part in my third marathon in October 2023.

This is very true for me! I was going to do Royal Parks half marathon as my first half marathon but that’s mainly because I won a ballot place and I knew it was hard to get in so I didn’t want to cancel until the last minute 😆. I only did one 10k race a year earlier I wasn’t that confident so I ended up selling my place to a colleague before their transfer deadline and then did Vitality 10k instead. After Vitality 10k, I was surprised I felt more comfortable than last year and I felt like I could have continued running at the end, so it has made me to reconsider about booking for another half marathon next year.

My first race was a marathon, but I trained for it with Team In Training

Great news! 😂 Im 1yr into running lifestyle, im over the firat hurdle where you hate running, now its not so bad, might progress to half marathon in time.

What is the definition of beginner? I ran my first marathon in 2010 after running for about two years prior to that. I trained hard. I also strength trained. I didn't really know much about nutrition and hydration. It was the first race I had entered and I probably should have done a smaller race beforehand. I raised money for charity and it really kept me motivated. People were generally interested in what I was doing and it motivated me by talking to them about what I was doing. I'm still running now. It sometimes feels like seasoned runners are judgemental of runners classed as 'beginners'. I get that you're giving good advice, but a newer runner watching this could potentially be put off.

Long time goal from age of about 33 was to run at least 1 marathon by the age of 40yrs old or young depending on how you look at it. I was inspired by a manager at work that was in his 50s that ran London then Paris the following weekend. I did it eventually at London aged 39 yrs 6 months. The build up was mainly yrs of football and squash. But a few half marathons set me up for the big 1. After it was done I had the marathon blues. A strange feeling of missing out on a goal. I was hooked

Good morning legends!

Thanks! When would a half marathon be a good idea? (Any news on your book?)

I wanted to do a marathon before I was 30 (I'm 29), so there was no pressure 😂 I started training at the start of Novemeber with no running experience or sporting, for that matter. I always enjoyed running but could never do a 5k without stopping at least 2 times. I ran my first 10k 3 weeks into training and my first half marathon a month and half in. Safe to say I got a lot of overuse injurys, you can see why😂 but I recovered and I continued on as I had a job to do before the Manchester Marathon April 17th. I completed it and got a time of 3:58.45 with only 2 18mile training runs under my belt prior to the marathon and till this day I am still running 4 days a week and am now training for London Marathon this coming April 😅

I had been on/off running to loose weight for a few years, then started running daily when moving to home office in the pandemic and ran my first marathon that year rather spontaneously. I had read that you could run a race as long as your weekly mileage, which was about 50k, so I signed up for the eventually virtual marathon and did 2 30k runs to prepare. It was painfull but I finisherd sub5. Currently getting ready for my 5th marathon and I have to admit that a proper training plan is very beneficial indeed.

Been running for 13 years and still haven't done a full marathon........yet Planning on changing that next year 🤞🤞

Same here, been running 3 years and I have a 5 year plan to go through the triathlon distances to do Ironman and do a marathon a long the way. I do 2 30km long runs a month and my average out at 300km a month this year. Only just started cycling did 300km of that last month. Plan on doing my local Sprint in August and in next September as my youngest will be at senior school join both running clubs and triathlon clubs as I have the mornings clear from school runs to do the early swimming hours to regain my swimming fitness from being a teenager. 😁

I think people have this no pain no gain mindset, but this approach could lead to injuries. I’ve took the enjoyment route and have low expectations and feel more happy!

I used to do no running, rarely worked out, worked an office job & played video games most my time. Then last december i started running outside in like -15 weather and i ended up running a marathon this may ... got some kind of repetitive strain injury, toe got hella swollen and was in pain for like 7 weeks. Took 3 months before i could run again ... no regrets but you right about the injury part lol

I am doing my first half marathon in December. I am 51. I ran a 5k last June and decided to do the half-marathon in December. I uploaded your 13 week program. I have my long run of 15k this Sunday, so, you have an idea of where I am in the process. I decided to do a 5k in November, just to tryout my new hobby! In June, I ran the 5k in 36 mins. During my runs with the 13 week plan, I was under 30 mins.! The prep has been excellent and challenging but that's what I signed up for!

I did a couch to marathon in a span of 30-40 days this year (2023). I was absolutely sick for a couple days. Cramps and my stomach shut down and I couldn’t eat any solid foods for nearly 2 days. I absolutely fell in love with with it! I do ultras now and am working up to my first 100 miler. Also working towards qualifying for Boston in the next 2-3 years. As a caveat, I have done a number of 5k open water swims so the long, grueling, painful endurance events are not new.

What defines a beginner? I’ve been running a little over a year now. 5k under 20 minutes, 10k just above 40, half 1:34. But I’ve got a ballot entry for London ‘24, that’ll be ok won’t it?

I had never been a runner - and after I turned 40 in 2021, I decided that I was going to have "my healthiest year yet" before turning 41 in 2022 ... I signed up for a marathon and kicked off four months of training. At this stage of my life I have lost all desire to milk my ego by running an earth shattering time, so I trained very smart - slow base training, nutrition training, etc. We had a goal of 4:30 for my first marathon, and missed the mark by 27 minutes. I learned a lot from that training as well as race day - namely, don't leave out training in the heat and humidity. Since that run last September, I've maintained my running, although less intense, and just finished my first trail half marathon last weekend, which was amazing! Now, call me crazy, but I'm signing up for a 50M ultra next April, which will put me at three races in three years, all of varying distance, terrain and difficulty. I'm not going at it alone though - every step of the way, I've commissioned the help of experienced friends who have done much more, and been successful, so I do not fall into that "didn't make the starting line due to injury" category. However, I may be the exception to the rule. Your channel has been instrumental in my success ... so thank you for all of your videos like this, which help explain the downfalls and shortcomings for beginners, as well as the joys of success!

Stop speaking directly to me lol. I "restarted" running 2.5 years ago. I'm signed up for NYC marathon and training is falling apart due to runner's knee. I signed up thinking I'd need to try for a few years to win entry and worst case I'd have over 6 months to go from first half to full marathon. Today is long run day. Dropping out is on the table but hoping my next few weeks I can get back on track.

You could say the same about any distance - just look at the number of people that register for parkrun but never get to the start line or the high percentage who only run one or two. Of course that could be down to the event not appealing to them and they still continue running but not in a way where they can be counted.

I’m a beginner and signed up for a marathon, the base training I’ve been doing and will continue to do, followed by the actual training plan, adds up to 9 months of running. I’m taking it slow right now and focusing on the aerobic base and strengthening my hip and leg muscles. I think I’ll be ready! Edit: Just ran a 5:04, slower than my goal pace but I finished nonetheless!

Back running this year after a 10 year lay off. First 10k race booked in 15th October….

I love Parkrun and rarely miss one but worry the “couch to 5K” can lead a Parkrunner who reaches their 50 milestone starts believing the next step up is sign up for a marathon. There can be no simpler way to take the joy out of running for them. I ran 3 marathons previously but in my 50s now the mileage to marathon train for a good time would destroy me. I now just enjoy a hard 5K run Saturdays and being able to enjoy other activities.

I am also running New York, I guess consistent running helps, put in the miles and the training drills.

Progress works at different rates for different people.

I ran my first marathon within 9 months of starting running at age 36. Ran my first half marathon within 3 months and ran 2:00:29 and ran an 50k 4 weeks later (that took 7:45 due to IT Band inflammation, I started lifting after that). Ran the Seattle Marathon 5 months later. Definitely didn't train well and didn't have a good run time, but I finished in less than 5 hours.

I’m that - only ran 10k at home max, prepared for a marathon for 12 weeks and made all the classic mistakes during my first marathon but still finished in an above average time - person. I didn’t tell anyone about the marathon, I just told them I rediscovered running, which is absolutely true. So far, I have no injury, sore legs, sure, but a hunger for more like I didn’t have for anything else for a very long time. It’s the first time that I don’t get bored with something after a few weeks. I enjoy running so much, and coming from a sprinter background, I thrive when I have a challenge I’m working for. The 6 majors are my next challenge and now, the only thing I will change is getting help from a coach or trainer who knows more than I do because I’ve realized I’m far too clueless for a proper preparation and racing strategy. For me, preparing for a marathon made me rediscover a part of me that I almost forgot existed, it was truly life changing.

I would be interested in your thoughts on how the media promote marathon running. Especially at places like London where there is a lot of focus on charity running and the "everyone can do this" message.

Agree. Started running in Feb 2022. Couldn't run more than 3k without stopping. Gave myself the goal to build the base for 2 years before even attempting a Marathon. Fast forwarded, I've done 2 Half's (3rd in two weeks) and signed up to the Manchester Marathon in April 2024. Any tips on training between completing the Half and Starting Marathon training (9 weeks)?

I got in over my head running in the beginning I joined a run club to make friends...3 mo before Boston so everyone else was training for Boston and I hopped into a 20mi training run with them blew out my knees hey to take weeks off and almost quit entirely. I'm now training on my own for local half Marathon and only do the pub runs with the club. Much happier less injuries and now after a year am I seriously thinking of doing a full marathon

I started running earlier in february this year. So far I have done 10k’s, a half marathon and a 30km trail race and have a 30 km night trail run in three weeks. Already signed up for next years races, a 45km trail race in the swedish mountains (1800m of elev gain) and a 100 miler in september of 2024. I think it’s possible as long as you increase your mileage in baby steps. I started at 10k per week and have only added a maximum of 5% most weeks. And every 4th week is a recovery week with 50% mileage. Now I run 70km weeks quite comfortably. But I would never sign up for a marathon with only 6 months training (from couch to marathon). Now after 8 months I think I would finish a marathon in sub 4 hours but I’ve been lucky and been injury free from the start. And what I think have been key in preventing injury is that I have done 95% of my training in zone 2/Maffetone which is a bit easier on the knees, feet and other joints and muscles that needed to develop some strength.

I definitely have no desire to run a marathon if its over 5hrs i’d rather work on my speed in shorter distances and work up that pace way

I think many believe that a “real runner” runs no less than marathons and that many do it for the recognition/likes on social media. I understand that people have different goals and motivations but i think that beginners should focus on bringing down their 5K and 10K time for the first few/many years depending on how much time you have. Theres a lot of quick wins to be made there and it really teaches you how to train and race. After that, you can really race a marathon and be truly satisfied. Its a lot harder to train and race for a 18 minute 5K than “just finishing” a marathon (which anyone can do, just walk/jog)

I did a few half marathons before I signed up for my first full marathon. I thought I’d be able to keep that same pace at double the distance. I was very wrong. I have since completed nearly a dozen marathons and several ultra marathons.

been running for a couple years and have completed 3 full marathons in the last 18 months. Went from 4:48 to 3:48 , to me it was convincing the mind that everything was ok and to keep going.. the challenge is the driver

I did Couch to 26.2 in 18 weeks, no prior experience

It takes loads of time for your body to adapt to longer miles I ran my first half last weekend. 2 hours 10 min. Not lightning quick, but respectable for a 41 year old lady who got serious about running only 1.5 years ago. I'm doing another round of training for a half marathon, not to get faster, though that'll be nice if that happens, but just to get my body used to runs longer than 10miles. Couldn't imagine jumping into a marathon right now - BUT I WILL ... EVENTUALLY!

I started running again after a couple of decades off in summer 2022. I've entered a 50k ultra trail run this coming December. Why? I exercise for fun, for energy but mainly for the health and longevity benefits. I've done so almost continuously (some ups and downs) for about 20 years. A lot of this time I've needed that goal somewhere out there that if I didn't keep working towards I would fail to achieve. For a few years I was a rower and I wanted to do a few big races (Henley Royal, Head of the River) and get a 2k time to be proud of (6:16.6) which were all achieved. Then a few years back I decided to cycle up Mont Ventoux 3 times in one day. That was not achieved (managed it twice). So once I started running I needed a really tough goal and to be honest, a marathon wasn't it. I'm not a great runner but I do train hard and I felt just running a marathon wouldn't be hard enough. Also an "ultramarathon" sounds a bit cooler. Right now with 2 months to go I think I could probably manage a 5 hour marathon tomorrow but the 50k trail run still worries me a bit! There's a 7 hour cutoff and I'm aiming for about 6:30. Lots of improvement hopefully still to come. So my advice is push your goals, they'll drive your training and really it's the training that delivers the benefits.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻someone said it

I'm a little confused as someone on week 12 of your all distances marathon plan. Do you believe that the 41 week plan isn't actually long enough to train for a marathon safely?

I'm running my first marathon nine months from now after having run 13 half marathons and 3 10ks and I'm still terrified of it 😂

I’m about to do my first marathon next week, I’d love to know how you would define a beginner, I’ve been running over 3 years now and wouldn’t class myself as a true beginner but certainly no expert I guess.

I started with a marathon, and I'm more of the do whatever you think you can but respect the distances. If you find a good beginner friendly plan, go for it. Taking risks has its ups and downs it all depends on the type of person you are. I respect all of the types. Do what you can

I was adamant on running a half marathon early this morning, even after 3 weeks of downtime due to a gout flare up in my heel. I was confident thinking I've ran HMs before. Nope. By the 2nd km, a sleeper flare up came. DNF'ed and I limped back home. What an annoying but humbling experience. Welp, back to the drawing board for me

Especially when you have less than one year of training. Many programs are only 6 months long. 😂 I feel like you need at least raced 2 half marathons, a 10k and at least 1,000 miles of running in a year. You have to ease into mileage slowly or you are inviting injury and never make it to the start line. Build a robust body or you are rushing the process. Then you get the privilege to run a marathon just to experience it not really expecting to chase a time. Many pro runners never go into the marathon with less than 5 years of real training. I have a friend who is running her first marathon. She did a long run of 9 miles. Her heartrate was 170 bpm. I told her to run slower or she will bonk if she keeps it up. Just because she ran a half marathon, she think she can tackle a full one. The marathon is a beast. Respect the distance.

Ran from 2019 to 2021 but only like 5Ks and never a race. This August I started again and did a 5K race. In the Runnershigh I commited to a half a marathon next year in March. So thats about 5months of training just to get from about 10k easy running to 21K race running. Let alone to go for a full Marathon.

Back in 2008-2011, I progressed from 10K to 1/2 Marathon to 30K distances quite smoothly and was able to complete the 30K in a decent time (for me 😂)… next “logical” step was a marathon… but I was shocked at the huge difference between a 30K (even one with a hilly last 1/3) and the 42.2K distance. The experience sort of hurt my love of running and it’s taken me over a decade to restart the process - older and wiser, I will stick to 1/2 Marathons until that distance becomes “comfortably raceable” 😊

I remember my first marathon. It was a total dissaster!!! it was at some point in the mid-1980's, maybe 1987'ish... I was plenty fit, but haden't done any really dedicated long runs prioer to the race, and as a sideeffect of my study of biomechanics, I had turned to the "minimalist shoe" (before it was really a thing...) and ran in a pair of ultralight 5K raceshoes (10 mm perforated midsole and no rubber outsole!!!), without having used them for more than a couple 5K's and a 10K. After around 25K everything hurt. My feet was crushed, my achilles was in pain, my knees, my hips. Being in pain just sucked the energy out of my (gel's wasn't a thing back then and they only had some bananas halfway in the race, but water for every 10K). I cant really remember, but I do believe I ended up using almost 5 hours to finish the race. Far from y original expectations. And it startet a problem with my left achilles, that it took 10 years(!) to fix (came in contact with a specialist that knew what he was talking about). It took a year and a half before I atempted the next marathon, but from then on, I ran a couple of them every year. Now I run around three-four marathons each year and three-four Ultras..., and a lot of 10K and HM's, and I'm several hours faster on the marathon than my first one and without physical breakdowns 😀

Took me 2 years 4 months from beginner to complete my 1st (and only so far!) marathon. I was old and fat and couldn't even run a few hundred metres when i started so there is no way i would have even thought about a marathon at that point. Having run a few halfs and being comfortable with that distance i started to think i might have a crack in 2024 but bought it forward and did it for cancer research but sadly ran out of time to tell a friend i was going to do it before she passed away. When i fell very hard on my back and head on an icy country lane at 5am i think that would have been my excuse to jack it had i been a beginner!

I ran a marathon (4hr 16) at 48 years old after 3-4 months training, never having run before. Importantly, it was the dream that kept me running. Just get good running shoes and keep the runs easy.

I went balls to the wall and had a shin splint that felt like my leg was broken😂 All good now though. Just needed a couple months off, looking sad at my running shoes just sitting there unused..

I would have loved to watch this video a year ago :-) (still, wonderful to see it today). My running journey started 3 years ago and I’ve ran several half marathons since. Still i decided to give Berlin Marathon 23 a try and everything went well until I encountered overtraining 6 weeks before the marathon. It was challenging and thanks to physiotherapy and changes to my training plan based on the plans of @ThisMessyHappy I was able to participate and finish successfully. Still the biggest learning: for my mind roughly over a year of training time seemed fine, my body would have needed more time to adapt. So I now know that I rushed and need to step back (to half marathons for the next year) to make it a journey for life and focus on marathons later without a stretch :-).

I ran a marathon and destroyed my foot.... now i just hope I can run again some day

Interesting video, but you did not really define beginner. I have a few 10k and one half (that was over the last 16 months), I am almost 50 and found those two distances easy, so would that mean I am still a beginner? I am working towards the full marathon for next spring so in total would be close to two years of training.

47000 runners in the Berlin Marathon; not my idea of fun. That is a middle-sized town, 47000 people running in the streets of an even bigger city. As much as I would like to run a marathon, the sheer number of runners put me down. I choose the quietness of the forest...

Focusing on the journey also might be a good idea because what if marathons are not your cup of tea but you realize you enjoy 10k or HMs, you would miss these if you rush the process. I ran a marathon after 7 years of training and to be honest I didn't enjoy it, I'm not sure what was wrong, I was bored and didn't get the emotions what I expected but along the road I really enjoyed 5k and 10k races so I stuck with those and I am still a commited runner even after 18 years in the sport.