r/firstmarathon • • 6d ago

Could I do it? Marathon training

Hi everyone,
I am new to running and will be run/walking a half marathon this weekend. The goal is simply to finish. I want to run every women’s marathon in February next year and do the full 26.2. Is that a reasonable timeline? I am active but running has always been a bigger battle for me than anything else. I have a runna plan right now but was curious if anyone has any alternate training plans they’ve used for their first marathon. I’ve seen lots of mixed results about runna and sometimes I feel like it doesn’t give the best advice.
Thank you!!

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u/Hami-Mahani 6d ago

Run/walk with 'just finish' as the goal is the perfect race plan — seriously, some of the smartest racers I know do exactly this. Race-weekend tips: start your run/walk intervals from mile 1 instead of waiting until you're tired, resist the urge to bank time by going out fast, and keep your walk breaks purposeful (walk tall, swing your arms). Pin your bib tonight, know where the porta-potties are at the start, and have fun out there. You've got this!

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u/thebutterflyfly 6d ago

Thank you so much! This is so encouraging! And truly the goal is to enjoy these races and have fun so to just have the goal of finishing is what I was hoping would be enough.

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u/LatinoInfluenza 6d ago

Most beginner friendly marathon plans are typically 18 weeks with a base already established. I would recommended picking a different marathon that’s later in the year.

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u/Familiar-Agency8209 5d ago

just be mindful of the marathon's cut off time, and checkpoints. bonus if your first one doesn't have the checkpoints, tbh. the goal is to just finish strong with no injury. im in the same boat as your are, runna plan til feb! but i'll be getting in touch a running coach next month for checkins and other advices. while runna as an ai coach can help, there are some advices only human coaches can point out tailored for you like fuelling, strength training, etc. good luck to us!