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Moving from Half to Full...how do you know if you're ready?

posted about 2 years ago | Report

Hi...I'm a mom to 2 boys, 7 and 9...and I work part time as a substitute teacher....this, for now, gives me a lot of freedom to train. I've always had a half-hearted exercise program, but in January, I really ramped it up. I don't know who this woman is anymore, but I like her! LOL! In January, I could run about 6 miles and signed up for the Green Bay Half w/ friends....and at the time, was really nervous about it! NOW, I just finished 13.1 miles last weekend, on my own, as my long run! I'm kind of let down! I need MORE! It has me thinking about changing my race to the Full, or signing up for one later. BUT, really, when do you KNOW that you can do 26.2?? I notice that none of the training schedules go beyond 20...is it all just mental after that? I'd love to hear what you Moms think! (For now, just to satisfy my "insanity", I'm following a training schedule for the Full....just to see!)

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  • Molly R.
    Molly R. Sendmail

    Good luck with whichever you decide. I'll be doing Green Bay as a full and really looking forward to it. I would absolutely get in some 18 -20 to really decide if it's the right time for a full. I don't think you can really know if you're ready until race day. I've been running 16+ for months now and I'm still nervous about being ready and well enough prepared. Good luck and I'll see you there.

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

  • Heather G.
    Heather G. Sendmail

    I'm from the "no better time than now!" mindset, so I say go for it! The only part of marathon training that is more time consuming than regular training are the long runs.

    I've always gone further than 20 miles, my training plans had me go all the way up to 24. But I do know a lot of people only go up to 20. The race itself and race day adrenaline will pull you that last 10k, but it still hurts no matter what, LOL!

    I'm training for marathon #5 and #6 this year, and I've done the previous 4 since I've had children. So I know the timing issues us moms have. If you WANT to do a full, you are ready :) I think all it takes is the will....and you know the saying, if there is a will there is a way!

    posted about 2 years ago | edited about 2 years ago | Report

  • Dianna M.
    Dianna M. Sendmail

    I say go for the full! You have the physical ability as you already ran 13 but more importantly you mentally WANT to run the full!! As long as both of these pieces are in place, I agree, there is no time like the present! You could the do the cellcom half and then have all summer to train for a fall full. I am in the same boat, I have never done a full but really want to so why not? Good luck and keep us posted!!

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

  • Lena F.
    Lena F. Sendmail

    Sounds like you're ready to me and asking the right questions!

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

  • AdinaPRO
    Adina Sendmail

    Thank you so much for all the advice! I'm still not ready to change my race for May yet, but I've got until May 8th to do it!! Maybe after I get in a couple more long runs with the same success, I'll be able to evaluate my readiness more. I wish someone would create a 3/4 Marathon! Something about those last 6 miles! But, thank you, and I will keep you posted! Just a side note: I joined DM as a way to simply keep track of my miles...I never imagined I'd find so much motivation here!! You all are incredible!!

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

  • Dianna M.
    Dianna M. Sendmail

    I agree I would love a 20 mile race!

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

  • Melissa K.PRO
    Melissa K. Sendmail

    Adina, you can do it. I went from no real exercise other than chasing around a then 2 1/2 year old to marathoner and ex-smoker in one years time. You never really know if you can do 26.2 until you try. The marathon training program I used only went to 20 miles and I thought that it was just fine. By the time you get to 20 I think you are testing your mental toughness as much a your physical toughness. The problem becomes that your body takes one heck of a beating on miles 20-26.2. My knees/IT band still haven't fully recovered from my marathon at the end of January and I am set to run another marathon in May.

    Only other suggestion run the half enjoy it and train for a fall full marathon.

    posted about 2 years ago | Report

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