What is the chance that an overweight, out-of-shape,

[Rainbowreflect]

40 year old women, who has not ran in years, could be ready to run a marathon in just over 13 mos?
I really want to set this for a goal, but I'm not sure if it is realistic.

[seemunkee]

1. You have plenty of time if your dedicated.

You've taken the first step. I'm not a runner so I can't give you any advice. Others here are. Good luck and post up your work outs.

[flvegan]

2. Very realistic.

Do you have any limitations?

How overweight and how out-of-shape are we talking?

13 months? With no other limitations, Chris Farley (rip) could have been ready to run a marathon in that amount of time.

[JI7]

3. set small goals one by one

first set a goal to run a smaller distance and increase it as you get used to each goal.

focus more on accomplishing these small goals rather than on the marathon in 13 months. because if you have trouble with the smaller goals you set but keep the marathon in mind you might feeling like giving up. the "if i can't even do this how will i do the marathon" thought will just hold you back.

[MissMillie]

9. I agree w/ this

a 5K then a 10K, and then maybe a half marathon.

Personally, while I know that it is POSSIBLE for the human body to run 26.2 miles, I don't think that our bodies were meant to do it. A marathon will never be a goal of mine.

However, I am planning a sprint triathlon for next year and I'm in the same boat as you, physically speaking. I've got weight to lose and before this year I never ran in my life.

I do think you should set goals in increments... it's easy to get overwhelmed if you reach to far too soon.

[Systematic Chaos]

4. It depends, but I'm leaning highly toward "yes"

How much weight do you need to lose? Are you just 20 lbs. or so over your ideal weight, or are you roughly twice your proper size like me? (just asking hypothetically, please don't be offended!)

If you eat right, by giving your body lots of complex carbs for fuel and assimilable (mainly vegetable) protein, you will see huge improvements as you train and you'll be astonished at what you are still capable of when you treat yourself well. :)

Even if you can't get to the full marathon distance in 13 months, I wouldn't put a half marathon beyond your means no matter what, as long as you try. And if for some reason you can't progress that far in just over a year, I have absolutely no doubt you could handle it by the following year.

A suggestion: Send an e-mail to the letters addy of one of the better running magazines, state your case and ask them how you would best train yourself for that distance. I bet they could offer you all kinds of terrific advice. Please keep us posted! :hi:

[Rainbowreflect]

5. I think I need to lose 35-40 lbs before I can really start running.

I am planning on working on that first.
I am doing aerobics, lifting weights, pilates & yoga. I am hoping to be able to start adding running to my walking in 2 to 3 months.
My bother, who has MS, is going to run the Chicago marathon in October of 2006 for his 40th birthday. I want to run with him.
But if I cannot make that one I will look to the next one he runs or the on after that.
I have ordered 3 books on very beginning training to review.
I am really excited about trying, but even if I do not reach that goal, I know that the journey is what really matters.

[Systematic Chaos]

7. Your goals are very realistic. You CAN do this.

If you can't do the whole race with him in 2006, then just accompany him as far as you can and walk most of it. No matter what, it will be a rewarding experience for you. I think with your approach and attitude you'll end up surprising yourself when this is all over. :D

[soleft]

6. There is a triathlon store in NY that believes it can prepare

an overweight man or woman to compete in a ironman event in one year. It sounds insane to me. I would like to complete in a triathlon next July but it's half the distance of an ironman. I'm always going to weight to start running until I've lost 40 or 50 pounds. Swimming and biking til then.

Good luck!

[Rainbowreflect]

8. Good luck to you as well.

For some reason I am really psyched about doing this.
Last week my mom brought up the idea of a family vacation to Chicago next October to be there for the marathon (my mother, 4 siblings & families try to do a whole family vacation every 4-5 years).
I though that is what I need, a long term goal to get my ass back on track (so to speak).

[soleft]

10. You know what I've been reading tho

is that it's very important to set a series of short term goals.

Mine is right now to find a inexpensive pool that I can swim in when the outdoor pool across the street closes on labor day. I think there are a few Y pool around the city that are reasonable.

My other short term goal is to take care of my knee and get it completely healed so by the time my weight is ready I can begin running. I'll probably even try to set weekly goals, like, I will workout 3x this week, etc.

If you want, I'd be happy to keep tabs with each other, PM's or whatever to check in and offer support and stuff like that.

[Rainbowreflect]

11. I would love the extra support!

I also have concern about my knees. I take Glucosamine & Chondroitin for my joints & it does seem to help.

[soleft]

12. I need to start doing that too.

I got some arnica montana for muscle soreness, but I really need to take supplements for my joints.

[Rainbowreflect]

13. I swear by it.

A few years ago I noticed when I spent more than an hour doing bead work my hands would get very stiff & sore. I started taking Glucosamine & Chondroitin and within 6 mos I notices a big improvement. I am hoping with continued use & dropping the pounds my knees will be able to handle the running.

[soleft]

14. I got the Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Now I just have to remember to take it!