Non-runner 1st marathon Goal

[YoungNY]

I'll start by saying I've been overweight/obese all my life. I've lost and gained countless times. I've had 2 weightloss surgeries and am finally committed to a healthier lifestyle.

After my last surgery I made the goal of running the Princess 1/2 marathon. I've gotten my friends, family and co workers rooting for me and pledging to run with me if I make it. I've started going to the gym 3 times a week, walking 1 hour each time. I'm slowing building up my speed. I'm up to 3.7 mph. It may not sound like a lot, but coming from nothing I think I'm doing pretty good so far. I've got a long way to go, I've got about another 100 lbs to lose and then I can start really training.

I have several medical conditions that concern me when it comes to training. I've got a hip replacement that's 15 years old and hurts occasionally with no warning. Like some days I wake up and can barely walk. I've got 2 bad knees, both click and one hurts when lifting weights, though the doctor tells me this is normal due to my overcompensating due to my hip. I'm anemic and have a severe vitamin B deficiency that often effects my equilibrium. I tend to sway when standing still, get dizzy, and fall over like someone pushed me quite often. I take pills for it, but it still happens.

I fear these things will effect my ability to complete this goal, yet it's these things that make me want to do it even more. I just imagine crossing the finish line after overcoming 28 years of weight problems and all my medical issues, it'll feel so good. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

I set my goal for the Princess 1/2 marathon in 2014. What should I expect? How are the races run? Any advice from you experianced runners?

 

[fmingo36]

The best advice I can give you is..remember you don't have to RUN the whole thing. As long as you can maintain a 16 minute mile you will be fine.
You have a long time to train so each day do what your body allows you to do.
Good Luck!

 

[imagination30]

Good luck , rememeber most people that do disney runs do it for fun. , so just soak in the atmosphere of runing in the most happiest place on earth ... , dont try to do to much , just pace your self and have fun.. and i ditto what fmingo said you dont have to run it all , you just have meet the pace requirment!...

 

[olinecoach61]

Good luck, I admire your perseverance

 

[Kristia]

Congratulations for setting such an awesome goal! I agree with all the comments. Listen to your body when training but also push it a little. Usually you start to know what is just muscle/workout soreness and what is serious injury pain. Start out slow. We all took baby steps in the beginning. Good luck in your progress and keep us posted on how your doing! This forum is a great bunch of people who sympathize with you when you need it but also kick you in the butt when you need some motivation!

 

[Fievel]

There are plenty of people who set out with a goal of walking just fast enough to beat the 16 minute minimum pace requirement. If you can even lightly jog part of it, you should finish it with no problems. The princess race is great, as it seems a little more relaxed and light-hearted than the Marathon weekend 1/2 marathon. The spectators along the course are always amazing, and help to lift your spirits. You will see and meet plenty of inspiring people with great stories on the course that also help you along your way.

My recommendations are to take your training one step at a time. Don't look at your end goal quite yet. Set small goals that you can accomplish along the way, and feel good when you accomplish those. I remember the first time I ran 5 miles I felt like I was on top of the world. When you get close enough, follow Jeff Galloway's run/walk plan if you feel up to it.

Above all else - enjoy the experience. I finished my 1st half marathon at WDW, and it's still my fondest memory. I remember going through Epcot almost crying because I was so emotional that I had come so far. Seeing my family at the finish line was something I'll never forget.

WHEN you accomplish it, make sure you hang that medal someplace in your home that you can see it daily, and remind yourself that you are able to accomplish anything. I did so, and it encouraged me to keep going. This year I'll complete my 10th 1/2 marathon enroute to my 1st full Marathon next Jan in WDW.

Good luck. Feel free to add us all on facebook, as we regularly post our own activities on there as well!

 

[wdwmagic]

Congratulations on your commitment to fitness!

I would strongly recommend a couch to 5k program. If you have an iPhone or similar, there are quite a few apps that work you through starting from nothing, and being able to run a 5k. Once you get to 5k, you'll be able to work your way up to more.

 

[Texas84]

2014 is a perfect goal. Get a 5K plan and try a few local runs. Try a WDW 5K if you can. They are fun, low stress, and you get a taste of the logistics. I'm a Galloway fan but I hear good things about Couch-to-5K. Galloway has plans for every distance on his web site. Biggest mistake beginners make is listening to people who tell them you have to run the while thing. Then 2013 find some 10Ks. If you are comfortable with a 10K, you're gold.

Good luck!

 

[Disneydreamer23]

I am in the same situation as you! I want to do the marathon @ Disney and I have been trainging for about 4 months now eating right etc my goal is to do it by 2013 , I in 4 months have lost 40 pounds gained alot of muscle and I am currently going to the gym 5 days a week doing 4.2 for an hour or 3.2 on uphill of 15, when i first started It was hard for me to go 10 minutes with out dying! Just keep it up the reward is amazing~!

 

[YoungNY]

Thanks all for the advice and encouragement. After reading these boards, I found out about the Everest Challenge next year. I can walk 3 miles now, albeit in about an hour and 15 mins, but I've got 10 months to up my time. If I can do that I might try to make that my first 5K.

 

[dreamfinder]

The biggest thing is to just keep at it. Keeping up a constant pace, and gradually increasing your distance/time/speed with help immensely. Every little bit will help to reach your goals.

 

[WallyWorld]

Thanks all for the advice and encouragement. After reading these boards, I found out about the Everest Challenge next year. I can walk 3 miles now, albeit in about an hour and 15 mins, but I've got 10 months to up my time. If I can do that I might try to make that my first 5K.

The 5Ks are great, too....still get to run through a park.

Its also a great chance to runDisney AND check out the half marathon....its very motivating!